How to Winterize Your Lawn Mower

As the winter season approaches, it’s crucial to take steps to properly winterize your lawn mower. Doing so not only extends its lifespan but also ensures it’s ready to go when spring arrives. This guide will walk you through the steps to winterize your mower and protect your investment.

Why Winterizing Your Lawn Mower Matters

Before diving into the steps, let’s briefly explore why winterizing your lawn mower is essential. Leaving a lawn mower idle for months without preparation can lead to:

• Fuel degradation: Gasoline left in the tank can go stale, clogging the carburetor and fuel lines.
• Rust and corrosion: Exposure to moisture can damage the mower’s metal components.
• Battery issues: Batteries can lose charge or fail entirely if not stored properly.
• Engine damage: Accumulated debris and dirt can cause engine problems over time.

By taking the time to winterize your mower, you’ll save money on repairs and extend its lifespan.

Step-by-Step Guide 

Here’s a comprehensive guide to preparing your lawn mower for the off-season.

1. Clean the Mower Thoroughly

Start by giving your lawn mower a thorough cleaning. Remove grass clippings, dirt, and debris from the deck, blades, and wheels. Use a stiff brush or hose for stubborn grime.

• For mild winters: Focus on cleaning visible debris to prevent rust during occasional frosts or wet conditions.
• For harsh winters: Pay extra attention to drying the mower completely after cleaning to avoid ice formation in freezing temperatures.

Pro Tip: Use a silicone spray or rust inhibitor on metal parts to provide an extra layer of protection against moisture.

2. Drain or Stabilize the Fuel

Old fuel is one of the leading causes of mower problems in spring. Gasoline begins to degrade after about 30 days, forming varnish and gum that can clog the engine.

• For areas with short winters: Adding a fuel stabilizer to the tank can suffice if the mower will be stored for less than three months. Run the engine for a few minutes to distribute the stabilizer through the system.
• For areas with long, harsh winters: It’s best to completely drain the fuel tank and carburetor to prevent any chance of gum or varnish buildup.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure how long the mower will sit unused, it’s safer to drain the fuel completely.

3. Change the Oil

Changing the oil is a crucial step to protect the engine from contaminants that can corrode internal parts during storage.

1. Run the mower for a few minutes to warm up the oil, making it easier to drain.
2. Drain the oil completely and replace it with fresh oil recommended in your mower’s manual.

4. Remove and Store the Battery

For electric or battery-powered mowers, proper battery care is essential to avoid damage from cold temperatures.

• Disconnect the battery cables and remove the battery.
• Clean the battery terminals with a baking soda solution and dry thoroughly.
• Store the battery in a cool, dry place away from freezing temperatures.

Pro Tip: Periodically check the battery charge during the winter to ensure it stays healthy.

5. Inspect and Sharpen the Blades

Take this opportunity to inspect the mower blades for wear or damage. Sharpen or replace them if necessary. A sharp blade will make spring mowing easier and healthier for your lawn.

6. Check the Air Filter and Spark Plug

Inspect the air filter and clean or replace it if it’s dirty. Remove the spark plug and inspect it for wear. If it’s in good condition, clean it and apply a small amount of oil to prevent corrosion before reinserting it.

7. Store the Mower Properly

Where and how you store your lawn mower is just as important as the preparation steps.

• For mild climates: Store the mower in a garage or shed where it’s protected from rain and frost.
• For harsh climates: Consider using a weatherproof cover in addition to indoor storage to prevent damage from extreme cold.

Ensure the mower is placed on a flat, dry surface to avoid fuel or oil leaks.

Winterizing Tips Based on Climate

Mild Winters (e.g., Southern U.S.)

• Use a fuel stabilizer instead of draining the tank.
• Clean the mower and ensure it’s stored in a dry place to prevent rust.
• Check for occasional use during warm winter spells.

Moderate Winters (e.g., Midwest or Pacific Northwest)

• Combine fuel stabilization with draining if storage exceeds three months.
• Pay extra attention to drying and applying rust inhibitors.
• Inspect all mechanical parts before storing.

Harsh Winters (e.g., Northern U.S., Canada)

• Drain fuel completely and ensure no moisture is left inside the engine.
• Remove the battery and keep it in a climate-controlled space.
• Use heavy-duty protective covers and check storage areas for temperature fluctuations.