As summer starts to wind down, many homeowners are preparing for the cooler months ahead. One task that often gets overlooked as we transition from summer to fall is giving your lawn mower a late summer tune-up. While it's common and expected to service your mower in the spring, a mid-season checkup can be just as important to make sure it'll run smoothly for the rest of the mowing season.
Monitor Your Mower
After months of regular use, your lawn mower can begin to show signs of wear and tear. Grass clippings, dirt, and debris can build up, causing parts to wear out faster or even leading to breakdowns. Sharp blades can dull. Oil levels may drop. Spark plug wires might show wear, especially if you haven't changed the plug recently. A little bit of TLC can help address these issues, extend the life of your mower, and maintain its performance.
- Perform preventative maintenance. Regular check-ups help catch small issues before they become big problems. By replacing worn parts and addressing any minor repairs now, you can avoid costly fixes later.
- Improve performance. Late summer lawn care still matters. Whether it's a push mower or an electric mower, a well-maintained lawn mower will cut grass more efficiently, leading to a healthier lawn. This is especially important as grass growth tends to slow in late summer, requiring a clean and precise cut.
- Prepare your mower for winter. Making lawn mower repairs before storing it for the winter helps to ensure that your tool is in good shape when you're ready to use it again next spring. This can include changing the engine oil, cleaning the air filter and the air filter housing, and sharpening the lawn mower blades.
Steps for a Late Summer Lawn Mower Tune-Up
- Clean the Mower Deck: Remove any grass clippings and debris from the underside of the mower. Built-up grass can cause corrosion and affect the quality of your mower's cut.
- Check the Air Filter: A dirty air filter can reduce your mower's efficiency. If it's clogged, replace it with a new one.
- Change the Lawn Mower Oil: Fresh oil helps your mower run smoothly and reduces engine wear.
- Sharpen or Replace the Blades: Dull blades tear tall grass instead of cutting it cleanly, which can damage your lawn. Sharpen the blades if they're still in good condition, or replace them if necessary.
- Inspect the Spark Plug: A worn or dirty spark plug can cause starting issues. Replace it if it's damaged or shows signs of wear.
- Check Tire Pressure: If your mower has tires, ensure they are properly inflated to provide even cutting and prevent uneven wear.
How often should I tune up my lawn mower?
A good rule of thumb is to tune up your lawn mower at least once a year, typically in the spring; however, a late summer tune-up can help keep your mower in top condition through the end of the mowing season.
Can I perform a lawn mower tune-up myself?
Sure can! Many homeowners manage their own annual lawn mower maintenance because it's pretty simple. Tasks like changing the oil, cleaning the air filter, and sharpening the blades are relatively simple and only require basic tools; however, if you're uncomfortable with it, hiring a professional service is always an option.
What if I skip the late summer tune-up?
Skipping a late summer tune-up may lead to decreased mower performance and could increase the likelihood of mechanical issues. Regular maintenance is key to extending the life of your lawn mower and ensuring a healthy lawn. At the very least, make sure you winterize the lawn mower at the end of the season using fuel stabilizer so your outdoor power equipment is ready when you need it next spring.
