Winter is coming! And that means it’s time to start preparing to winterize your lawn mower for the colder months. Lawn mowers are a significant investment, and you want to protect your equipment so that it can provide you with years of faithful service. Don’t worry, though, winterizing your lawn mower is easy, and we’ll show you all the steps to take to make sure it’s protected from the snow, ice, and cold.
As winter approaches and the temperatures start to dip, it’s necessary to prepare your beloved lawn mower for the cold months ahead. Simply put, cold temperatures can wreak havoc on your lawn mower if not given proper protection.
If you’re a passionate gardener like me, you recognize the importance of taking good care of your tools, and your lawn mower is no exception. Here are a few winterizing tips to ensure your lawn mower stays in top shape, ready for work when springtime rolls around.
Remove the battery
If you own a battery-powered lawn mower, like the Greenworks 40V Lawn Mower, always remove the battery before keeping it in storage for the winter. Extreme temperatures can damage the battery unit, shorten its lifespan, and affect power output, leading to potential damage to the engine. Store the battery safely in a garage or dry room. Or, if possible, store it indoors as room temperature is relatively consistent.
Remove the gas or add a fuel stabilizer
Before anything else, drain the fuel tank completely of its contents. Over time, leaving gas in the tank can thicken and damage the fuel system. Old gasoline can clog the carburetor, making it difficult to start the engine. As a preventative measure, you can start your lawn mower every couple of weeks to keep the gas flowing.
For more details on how an internal combustion engine works visit the Department of Energy page on Engine Basics.
Otherwise, it’s advisable to remove the gas altogether. Using a Multi-Use Siphon kit will help keep the process less messy. If this sounds like too much work, add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank to prevent old fuel from damaging the engine. If left in the tank over the winter, the fuel can also leak, corrode the carburetor, and create a fire hazard.
To prevent these issues, add a fuel stabilizer to the tank and let the engine run for a few minutes to ensure that the fuel stabilizer is distributed evenly throughout the fuel system.
Change the oil
Oil is the lifeblood that keeps the engine in good shape and lubricated. If you already haven’t, changing the oil is an essential part of getting your lawn mower ready for winter. Oil helps reduce resistance within the engine, which protects crucial parts from damage.
Over time, oil can become contaminated, losing its effectiveness. Leaving dirty oil in the engine can lead to material buildup and corrosion in the engine. You should change the oil and oil filter at the end of the mowing season to prevent anything from getting clogged and to provide fresh oil to the engine parts during the offseason. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding the type of oil to use.
Clean your lawn mower
Cleaning your lawn mower is an essential step in winterizing. Dirt, grass clippings, and other debris can cause rust and corrosion over time, leading to severe and costly engine problems. Ensure you remove any dirt, dust, or oil clippings with a damp cloth and a bit of elbow grease.
The underside of the deck can accumulate a lot of dirt and debris as the cutting blades whirl around. This debris can lead to rust and corrosion, which will start to weaken the deck and eventually necessitate its replacement.
Use a scraper, a putty knife, or a wire brush to remove any dirt and debris that may have accumulated on the deck. Be sure to wear gloves and other protective gear while cleaning the deck.
Store the lawn mower in a dry, covered space
When your lawn mower is not in use, keep it safe and secure. It’s crucial to store your lawn mower in a dry and covered space to protect it from harsh weather conditions, such as snow, rain, or hail. If not stored properly, moisture from snow, or even just humidity in the air, can cause significant problems for your lawn mower, such as rust.
A dry space ensures the moisture stays away from your lawnmower, preventing possible engine damage. Covering the mower with a tarp or other protective material and placing it somewhere secure, such as a garden shed or garage will help ensure that your investment stays in good condition for years to come.
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Don’t Wait to Service Your Mower
Your lawn mower requires maintenance all year round. Don’t put it off until the last minute. As soon as the mowing season is over, winterize your lawn mower. Doing so will ensure that your equipment will be ready to go when the grass starts growing again.
Winterizing your lawn mower isn’t rocket science, but it takes a bit of maintenance to keep your lawn mower in tip-top shape. By following these simple tips, you’ll extend the life of your dear lawn mower and avoid costly repairs in the future.
Be sure to drain the fuel, change the oil and filter, clean the deck, keep it protected, and service the mower all year round. Come springtime or summer, your lawn mower will be roaring to life, and you’ll be ready and set to take on the gardening challenges of the season.
