How to Store a Lawn Mower for The Winter and Get Ready for Spring

Its almost winter and time to store lawn mower. Here are some simple steps for the winter and spring that can save a lot of headaches.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• oil
• garden hose
• spark plug socket
• wrenches

1. It is very easy to store your lawn mower for the winter time. First thing would be to run all of the gas out of the mower. Any left over gas in the tank can go back over the winter and gum up the engine of the mower.

2. The second thing to do is hose off all of the grass and dust that has built up on the mower. Turn it on its side and clean out near the blade also. Now you mower is ready for winter storage.

3. In the early spring, before you need to cut your grass. Take off the blades and have them sharpened. This can be done at home or taken to a local shop that repairs lawn mowers. The blades should be sharpened every year.

4. Change the oil. On most mowers, in order to drain the oil you just take the oil cap off and tip the mower on the side. This will allow the oil to drain into a catch can.

5. Check the air filter. These usually get filled with dust from use over time. If it is really dirty replace it. Filters can be found at most hardware stores.

6. Change the spark plug. Using the spark plug socket, loosen and take out the plug. If it looks black and gummy its time to change it. Take the old plug with you to the auto store to find the exact replacement. Be sure not to over tighten the plug when putting it back in. It could break off inside of the mower engine and cause a lot of headaches.

7. Fill with fresh gas and your ready to start cutting grass.

Tips & Warnings

• be sure mower is off when doing any of this work

[lilredneck]

on 11/18/2008 I turn the hose on my mower every time I use it; but have never thought about changing the oil in my mower. I will have to make sure that I change the oil and spark plug. Is there a difference in a 9/16 socket and a spark plug socket?

[lilredneck]

on 11/18/2008 I turn the hose on my mower every time I use it; but have never thought about changing the oil in my mower. I will have to make sure that I change the oil and spark plug. Is there a difference in a 9/16 socket and a spark plug socket?

[Wasatch]

on 11/16/2008 Good tips. I just used mine one last time as a leaf vac and mulcher. It was easier than raking and gets my garden ready for next year.