Now that winter is here and there is no more lawn maintenance to be done, it’s time to make sure your lawnmower and other lawn care equipment are in excellent working condition. Whether you have a push mower or a riding mower, your lawnmower is the most important lawn care tool you have so you have to take care of it. Lawnmower maintenance should be performed at least once a year. Proper lawn mower maintenance will ensure your equipment lasts longer and works well all season long. We have put together this guide to teach you how to properly maintain your lawnmower and extend its life.

Check the Oil

Check your oil levels regularly. Not having enough oil can cause engine damage. Dirty oil is dark black in color and should be drained and replaced. Remove the drain plug under the mower and allow the old oil to drain completely. Refer to your owner’s manual for the correct way to change the oil and what type of oil to replace it with.

Clean Underneath It

After a season of mowing, grass can build up underneath your mower and clog the discharge chute. Scrape away the caked-on grass with a wire brush and wash away with a hose.

Change The Spark Plug

Spark plugs don’t last forever. As they get older it can affect how the mower’s engine runs. You should replace the spark plug either every season or every 100 hours to ensure your engine continues running smoothly.

However, accidents happen and you might have to change the spark plug due to damage. How can you tell there’s something wrong with your mower’s engine? 

• Significantly decreased fuel efficiency 
• It’s much harder to start the mower
• The engine stops abruptly.

Check the Air Filter

Air filters are not checked as often as they should. Mowing the lawn can kick up a lot of dust and all that dust can clog up your filters pretty fast. A clogged air filter can put a lot of stress on the engine and makes it burn more gas. Most lawn mowers have an easily replaceable air filter that is either paper or foam material. Replacement filters are cheap and should be replaced once a year to maintain optimal performance.

Sharpen the Blades

Your lawn mower blades are what do all the work all year long. Cutting grass week after week takes its toll. Not to mention all those accidental rocks, branches, and other objects you didn’t mean to hit. As time wears on your blades wear out, affecting your lawn visibly. Instead of cutting your grass, a dull blade tears your grass. This can cause the ends to turn brown and die.

Some people sharpen their own blades with an electric tool grinder, but it’s not recommended for the inexperienced. Any mower repair shop can sharpen your blades, and it’s usually included with mower tuneup.

Empty the Fuel Tank or Add Fuel Stabilizer

Fuel sitting in a mower for a long period of time can clog the carburetor. This is prevented from happening during the mowing season with frequent use. But over the winter the gas will just sit there. If a mower goes more than 30 days without being started, it can start to cause problems. The best way to prevent this to empty the fuel by siphoning it out or by using a fuel stabilizer. A fuel stabilizer is a solution that provides a protective layer for the fuel and prevents it from creating the sticky residue that can ruin your carburetor.

Get a Professional Tuneup

Over the year your lawnmower can take a beating. Knowing what’s wrong with it and how to fix it can seem daunting. That’s why at Colonial Lawn and Garden we offer fall equipment maintenance services. From snow blowers to lawn mowers, our team of skilled technicians will ensure your lawn care equipment is running optimally. 

For your professional tuneup just call (509) 371-1655 or leave a message on our site. Did we mention free pickup and delivery?