How Winterizing Your Lawn Mower Can Prevent Costly Repairs
- Equip Rentals
- Mar 20
- 4 min read
As the grass stops growing and temperatures drop, it’s time to put your lawn mower away for the winter. But simply storing it in the garage without proper preparation can lead to costly repairs in the spring.
At Equip Rentals in Niagara Falls, we’ve seen too many lawn mowers suffer from fuel degradation, rust, battery failure, and engine issues due to improper storage. The good news? Winterizing your lawn mower properly can save you time and money when mowing season returns!
In this guide, we’ll cover the essential steps to winterize your lawn mower, ensuring it starts effortlessly when you need it next year.
Why Winterizing Your Lawn Mower is Important
Neglecting your lawn mower before winter storage can cause:
❌ Fuel system damage – Gas left in the tank can clog the carburetor and fuel lines.
❌ Battery failure – Batteries lose charge and can die completely if not stored properly.
❌ Rust and corrosion – Moisture buildup leads to rusted engine parts and deck damage.
❌ Dull or damaged blades – Blades left dirty and dull won’t cut efficiently next season.
❌ Hard starting issues in spring – Oil thickens, components stiffen, and engines struggle to turn over.
Proper winterization prevents these issues and keeps your mower in top shape for years to come.
Step-by-Step Guide to Winterizing Your Lawn Mower
🛠️ Step 1: Drain or Stabilize the Fuel
Leaving old fuel in the tank over the winter is one of the biggest causes of spring-start failures.
✔ Option 1: Drain the Fuel
Run the mower until it’s out of gas OR
Use a siphon pump to remove the fuel from the tank.
✔ Option 2: Add a Fuel Stabilizer (For long-term storage)
If you prefer leaving gas in the tank, add a fuel stabilizer to prevent clogging and degradation.
Run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the treated fuel through the system.
🚨 Pro Tip: If your mower has a carburetor bowl drain valve, use it to empty any remaining fuel from the carburetor.
🔧 Step 2: Change the Oil (For Gas Mowers)
Old, dirty oil can become sludgy and cause internal engine damage over the winter.
✅ Drain and replace the oil before storing the mower.✅ Use the manufacturer-recommended oil for your specific model.
🔋 Step 3: Remove or Maintain the Battery (For Electric & Gas Mowers)
For battery-powered mowers:
✔ Remove the battery and store it indoors in a cool, dry place.
✔ Charge the battery at least once every 1-2 months to prevent it from completely dying.
For gas mowers with a battery (electric start models):
✔ Disconnect the battery to prevent slow discharge.
✔ Clean battery terminals to prevent corrosion.
Pro Tip: Store batteries in a climate-controlled area, avoiding extreme cold or heat.
🔪 Step 4: Sharpen and Inspect the Blades
Dull blades can tear grass instead of cutting it cleanly, leaving your lawn looking uneven next season.
✅ Remove the blade and inspect for nicks, dull edges, or cracks.
✅ Sharpen or replace the blade before storing the mower.
✅ Lubricate the blade to prevent rust during winter storage.
🧹 Step 5: Clean the Deck & Undercarriage
Grass clippings and dirt can trap moisture and cause rust over time.
✅ Scrape off built-up grass and debris from the mower deck using a putty knife or brush.
✅ Use a mild detergent and water to remove excess grime.
✅ Let it dry completely before storage.
Pro Tip: Spray a thin layer of silicone spray or oil on the deck to prevent future buildup and rust.
🏎️ Step 6: Check the Air Filter & Spark Plug
🔹 Air Filter:
Remove and clean or replace the air filter to ensure proper airflow next season.
🔹 Spark Plug:
Remove the spark plug, inspect for damage, and replace if necessary.
Adding a few drops of engine oil into the spark plug hole and turning the engine over helps lubricate internal parts.
🏠 Step 7: Store Your Mower Properly
How and where you store your mower impacts its longevity.
✅ Store in a dry, sheltered location (garage, shed, or basement).
✅ Keep it covered with a tarp to protect it from dust and moisture.
✅ Avoid storing near chemicals like fertilizers, which can corrode metal parts.
Pro Tip: Don’t tilt the mower on its side for long periods, as oil and fuel can leak into unwanted areas.
Bonus: When to Schedule a Professional Winterization Service
While many homeowners can handle basic winterization, some issues require professional servicing:
✅ Hard-to-start engines
✅ Persistent fuel system problems
✅ Major blade damage or balancing issues
✅ Severe rust or corrosion
At Equip Rentals in Niagara Falls, we offer lawn mower winterization services to ensure your mower is in top condition for next season.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Investment with Proper Winterization
Prepping your lawn mower for winter is a simple but crucial step to avoid expensive repairs and early replacement.
✔ Drain or stabilize the fuel
✔ Change the oil and clean the air filter
✔ Sharpen the blade and inspect key components
✔ Store it in a dry, covered location
By following these steps, your lawn mower will be ready to go when spring arrives—saving you time, money, and frustration.
Need Help Winterizing Your Lawn Mower?Let the experts at Equip Rentals in Niagara Falls handle it! Contact us today to schedule a professional winterization service.
Comentarios