How to Winterize a Lawn Mower

As summer comes to a close and the cold weather starts settling in, it’s time to put away your lawn mower for the winter. Properly winterizing your lawn mower can extend its lifespan and ensure it operates smoothly when spring arrives. Skipping this essential lawn mower maintenance can lead to costly repairs and reduced performance when you need your mower most.

In this guide from Blain’s Farm & Fleet, we’ll walk you through the steps to effectively winterize your lawn mower. From cleaning and draining fuel to essential engine checks, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your mower in top shape and make sure it’s ready for another season of maintaining your beautiful lawn.

Step 1: Preparing Your Mower for Storage

Clean the Mower

Start by cleaning your mower thoroughly. Use a brush, hose, or pressure washer to remove grass clippings, dirt, and debris from the deck and blades. For stubborn buildup, a putty knife can be helpful. If you leave the buildup over the winter, it can cause the mower to rust.

Stabilize and Drain the Fuel

Gas left in your lawn mower through the winter can cause rust and can mess with the mower’s carburetor. Add fuel stabilizer to the gas tank, then start up the mower to run the stabilizer through the fuel system. Turn it off and let the engine cool down.

Once the engine is cool, siphon the excess gas into a clean container or can. Start it again, and run the mower until it stops. Keep doing this until it doesn’t start, and you’ve emptied the fuel lines.

Change the Oil

Old oil can corrode parts and reduce efficiency. Drain the old oil, and replace it with fresh oil appropriate for your mower model. Be sure to properly dispose of used oil.

Step 2: Engine Maintenance

Spark Plug Care

Before you start really prepping for lawn mower winter storage, it’s important to remove the spark plugs. This prevents the lawn mower from accidentally kick-starting while you’re working on it, which can cause serious injury.

If the spark plugs are corroded or worn, replace them. Otherwise, clean your current ones.

Clean or Replace the Air Filter

A dirty air filter stops your lawn mower from running efficiently. If you have a paper filter, put in a new one. If you have an oil-soaked sponge filter, clean it with soap and water. Let it dry completely, and then add some clean oil before putting it back in.

Step 3: Blade and Deck Care

Sharpen the Blades

Sharp blades provide a cleaner cut and reduce strain on the engine.

Tip the walk-behind mower on its side. Wear thick gloves, and carefully remove the lawn mower blades. Sharpen them with a file or sharpening tool. Reattach them securely.

Protect the Undercarriage

Apply a thin coat of oil or silicone spray to the mower’s undercarriage to prevent rust. This step is especially important if you store your mower in a damp environment.

Step 4: Battery Maintenance

Disconnect and Store the Battery

If you have a battery-powered mower, remove the battery, and clean the terminals. Store the battery in a cool, dry place to avoid freezing.

Regular Charging

Charge the battery monthly to maintain its health throughout the off-season.

Step 5: Storing the Mower

Whether you store your lawn mower in your garage or a storage shed, the storage area needs to be dry. Keep your lawn mower away from corrosive materials, such as cleaners, fertilizers, or other chemicals. They can ruin the lawn mower if spilled on the mower deck.

It’s also best to keep the mower on a flat surface to avoid oil leaks and other potential issues.

Common Issues & Solutions

Rust Formation

If you notice any rust, be sure to regularly check and apply rust inhibitors to metal parts. It’s also a good idea to cover your mower with a protective fabric to keep dust and moisture away.

Battery Drain

Keep the battery charged and stored in a stable environment to prevent discharge.

Winterizing your lawn mower is a simple process that pays off big time when it comes to its longevity and performance. By following these steps, you’ll not only extend the life of your mower but also save time and money on repairs.

For more how-to guides like this one, check out our other Outdoor Equipment & Tools articles.