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Ever wondered what would happen if your lawn mower was left out during a snowstorm? While these machines are designed to withstand some exposure to the elements, heavy snow isn’t their best friend. And speaking of snow, no—just because lawn mowers have a discharge chute does not mean your mower can act as an impromptu snow blower.
In general, snow is going to dull the lawn mower blades, clog the deck, and likely cause some mechanical misery.
Why You Should Protect Your Lawn Mower From the Snow
- Moisture causes rust and corrosion. While a light snow won't destroy your mower, when this frozen water melts, it can seep into your mower’s engine, deck, and components. Over time, this moisture invites rust and corrosion to take over, especially in metal parts.
- Frozen fuel and oil are bad news. Low temperatures can thicken oil and freeze any water in the fuel system, making your mower sluggish (or worse, unstartable). (Always use a fuel stabilizer in the off-season.)
- Moisture also causes electrical damage. Snow and ice can infiltrate the wiring and spark plugs, leading to shorts or other electrical headaches.
- Icy cold temps will damage plastic components. Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can make plastic parts brittle and prone to cracking.
Does rain damage a lawn mower as much as snow and ice?
Rain can be harmful, but it doesn’t pose as immediate or severe a threat as snow and ice.
Rain typically drains away (and can be dried, too), but even a few inches of snow can compact and linger, exposing your mower to prolonged moisture and extra weight.
Additionally, snow and ice bring the added challenge of freezing temperatures, which exacerbate the risk of internal damage.
Snow Compaction = Frame Stress
Most people think of snow as “soft,” but once it accumulates and compacts, it becomes surprisingly heavy. A few inches of wet snow can add significant weight on top of your mower.
That weight can:
- Warp lightweight decks
- Stress handle joints and folding mechanisms
- Compress tires unevenly
- Strain cable linkages
Over time, repeated freeze-thaw cycles can even shift the mower slightly on uneven ground, causing subtle misalignment in wheels or axles. While it may not be noticeable right away, come spring you might find your mower pulling to one side or cutting unevenly.
How cold is too cold for your lawn mower?
When temperatures dip below freezing, it’s officially too cold for your lawn mower. At this point, oil thickens, and any residual water in the fuel system or engine can freeze, leading to cracked components.
Even if your mower is tucked away, extreme cold can still degrade batteries and weaken seals. A dry, insulated storage area like a garage or shed is the best way to shield your machine.
If you live in a climate experiencing a deep chill, watch for warning signs come spring:
- Rough idling due to moisture-affected carburetors
- Weak ignition from corroded spark plug contacts
- Belt slippage from winter stiffness
- Tire pressure imbalance
How to Winterize a Lawn Mower
It only takes a few simple steps to protect your lawnmower from getting stuck outside in the deep snow. Since they often lack extra traction or ground clearance to maneuver through snowy terrain, take care of this important piece of equipment sooner than later.
- Empty the Fuel Tank: Empty the entire fuel tank by running the engine dry. Alternatively, add a bottle of fuel stabilizer to the gas tank prevent the gas from going bad.
- Clean the Deck: Scrape off clumps of grass and debris off underside and the blade surface to avoid trapping moisture that can promote rust.
- Change Out the Oil Tank: Fresh oil helps lubricate the engine during its winter hibernation.
- Disconnect the Battery: Keep the battery ready by removing it for storage in a cool, dry place to extend its life.
- Sharpen the Blades: Use the off-season to give the blades some proper care. Sharpen and inspect the mower blades.
- Get Your Mower Into Storage: Find the storage space in a shed or garage during the winter months. The cheapest option would be under a tarp on a house driveway that can be cleared of heavy snowfall once in a while.
