If your mower has struggled to start or just doesn’t seem to operate like it used to, dirty oil might be the problem. A lot of people think gradual changes in performance has to do with the mower wearing out, but often, it really needs is some basic upkeep.

One of the simplest things you can do is change the engine oil. It’s a small job that makes a big difference, especially when the season’s just starting. Whether you’re mowing a small yard or several acres, this regular maintenance helps your mower run cooler, smoother, and last longer.

Change the Oil for Peak Performance

It's simple: When oil gets dirty, your engine works harder. Dirty oil breaks down from heat, picks up dust and debris, and starts to lose its ability to protect moving parts. That leads to wear, overheating, and eventually engine trouble.

“Your mower works hard, and just like any engine, it needs clean oil to stay healthy,” shared Brandon Greene, VP of Customer Solutions at Lucas Oil. “Air-cooled, smaller engines like mowers run hotter and have much less oil in them, so the oil must work harder to keep everything lubricated.”

The easiest way to avoid problems? Change the oil every 25-30 hours of operation for push mowers, or about every 50 hours for riding mowers. A lot of people just do it once per season—typically at the end of the mowing season before storage—and even more push a neglected mower to perform for years without considering the engine components, oil filter, and spark plugs. If you’ve got a big yard or mow more often, stick to the hour rule. And you don't need expensive lawn mower oil, either. As Greene noted to me, products like Lucas High Performance SAE 30 or the synthetic blend SAE 10W-30 are designed to help small engines run stronger, longer.

Don’t Wait for Trouble to Start

Skipping oil changes might save time short-term, but it often leads to bigger issues down the line. If your mower is stalling out, running hot, or sounding louder than usual, there’s a good chance the oil is the culprit. Greene puts it plainly: “If you’re not changing oil regularly, you’re basically running your mower on gunk – the dirt, dust, and other debris that gets kicked up and into the engine, and ultimately the oil.”

Over time, dirty oil loses its ability to cut friction. That means more heat, more wear, and eventually, breakdowns caused by the dirty conditions that could’ve been avoided. If you’re the type who likes to keep things simple and reliable, make oil changes part of your regular routine. It’s faster and cheaper than a repair... or a new mower.

Quick Oil Tips for a Longer-Lasting Mower

You don’t need to be a mechanic to give your mower what it needs. Just a few small habits can go a long way for engine performance.

• Change the oil every 25-30 hours of use (push mowers), 50 hours (rider mowers)
• Always change the oil before winter storage
• Check the oil level before every few uses
• Use a synthetic blend or full synthetic for better protection
• Look for dark, gritty oil... if it looks like it has dirty debris, it’s time to change it
• Run the engine a few minutes before draining oil (it flows better warm)

“Old, dirty oil can cause overheating, excessive wear on parts, and even kill the engine if you ignore it long enough,” adds Greene. “Swapping in fresh oil helps it run cooler, lubricate better and run smoother. Using a high-quality oil makes a huge difference in how long your mower engine lasts—and how well it runs when it’s time to tackle that yard.”

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FAQ

Can I just top off the oil instead of changing it?

Topping off oil helps in a pinch, but if you're not pulling the oil drain plug, it doesn’t fix the main issue. The bad stuff is still circulating through the engine. Eventually, all oil breaks down and loses its ability to protect the engine block. A full oil change clears out old oil and gives your mower a fresh start.

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What happens if I never change my mower’s oil?

Over time, the oil gets thick, dirty, and stops doing its job. That means more friction, more heat, faster engine wear, and shorter engine life. In some cases, the lawn mower engine can seize completely. If you get to the point of engine failure, you’re not fixing it with an oil change... you’re shopping for a new mower.