Proper winterization and storage are important for all small engine machines, but especially your lawn mower. “When it comes to your lawnmower, annual winterization is highly recommended,” said Dr. Raymond Burns III, Director of Research and Development for Lucas Oil. “Even if you don’t use it year-round, the fuel and oil in the system can degrade over time, leading to issues like clogged fuel lines, corrosion and engine wear. Winterizing your lawnmower each year by preparing it to run in colder weather and to be stored during the coldest months is simple, quick, and will end up saving you a lot in repair or even replacement costs in the future.”
Before you get started, consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions based on your make and model. These tips apply both to push mowers and riding lawn mowers and are intended to help preserve your lawn mower's performance. Follow this comprehensive checklist and enjoy a seamless transition from winter into the start of spring.
Things You’ll Need
- Putty knife or scraper
- Stiff brush
- Blade sharpening tool
- Spray bottle with water
- Old towel
- Fuel stabilizer
- Air filter
- Grease gun
- Oil
- Trickle battery charger
- Blocks (if stored outdoors)
1. Finish Your Fall Lawn Care
Before storing your mower, give your lawn a final trim. Not only does it help aesthetically to give your grass one final haircut, but leaving your grass about two inches long (a little longer than you’d have it at peak summer) will promote winter resilience, spring regrowth, and prevent snow mold and other winter lawn issues.
2. Clean the Deck and Undercarriage
Use a scraper and a stiff brush to remove grass clippings, debris, and mud from the mower's undercarriage and deck. It doesn’t need to be perfectly clean, but you can also clean it up by wiping it down with a spray bottle of water and a towel.
3. Sharpen the Blades
Springtime you will be so happy, I promise. Removing the mower blades and sharpening or replacing them is probably not a chore on your list, but it’s so nice to start the next year off with fresh blades. While you’re under the deck and cleaning up everything else, you may as well get at it.
4. Empty the Fuel Tank
Letting your fuel tank sit full is a bad idea. Stale fuel can cause starting issues in the spring.
You have two options:
- Run the mower until the fuel tank is nearly empty.
- Use a fuel stabilizer to prevent gas breakdown while the mower isn’t in use. Burns also recommends using Safeguard Ethanol Fuel Conditioner and Fuel Stabilizers for lawn and garden equipment.
5. Change the Oil
Changing the oil before storage helps remove any contaminants and ensures a smoother start in the spring. Fresh oil contains rust inhibitors and will help your mower tolerate the extended period of non-use. Consult your mower's manual for oil change instructions.
6. Replace the Air Filter
A clean air filter is essential for efficient engine performance and is very easy to replace. Many manufacturers recommend doing this once a season, so check it off your list now.
7. Remove the Spark Plug
- Lubricate the spark plug by pouring a tablespoon of oil into the spark plug hole to help lubricate the walls of the cylinders.
- Pull the starter cord slowly a few times to turn the engine, but avoid starting it. This helps to distribute the oil.
- Remember: On a riding lawn mower, you might have two spark plugs!
8. Inspect Belts and Cables
Check for any worn or damaged belts and cables. Replace them if necessary to ensure proper functioning next season.
9. Grease Moving Parts
Hitting all the important parts of your mower with a bit of grease helps parts resist abrasion and corrosion, and promotes weatherproofing. Use a grease gun to lubricate the mower's moving parts, including:
- Wheels
- Axles
- The mower's height adjustment mechanism
- Cutting spindles
Consult your owner’s manual to confirm what type of grease is best for your lawn mower.
10. Remove or Maintain the Battery
- If your mower has a battery, remove it for the winter and store it in a cool, dry place.
- If you need to keep it in the mower, add a trickle battery charger that will help prevent a complete discharge.
11. Elevate the Mower
Storing your lawn mower indoors is ideal, but if you can’t, elevate the mower using a platform or wood blocks. Raising the lawn mower off the ground promotes good air circulation around the deck while not in use.
