How to Properly Winterize Your Lawn Mower for Storage

Proper winterization is the single most important thing you can do to prevent expensive repairs in the spring. Every year, we see dozens of mowers with problems that could have been avoided with 30 minutes of end-of-season prep.

Step 1: Deal with the Fuel — This is the most critical step. Old gasoline is the number one cause of spring startup problems. You have two options: either add fuel stabilizer and run the engine for 5 minutes to circulate it through the system, or run the engine until it's completely out of fuel. We recommend the stabilizer approach for most people.

Step 2: Change the Oil — Don't let dirty oil sit in your engine all winter. Used oil contains acids and contaminants that can corrode engine internals over months of storage. Drain the old oil while the engine is still warm and refill with fresh oil.

Step 3: Remove or Disconnect the Spark Plug — Pull the spark plug and inspect it. If it's fouled or worn, replace it. Pour a tablespoon of fresh oil into the cylinder through the spark plug hole, then pull the starter cord slowly a few times to coat the cylinder walls. Reinstall the plug loosely or leave it disconnected.

Step 4: Clean the Deck — Scrape off all the caked-on grass from under the mower deck. Grass buildup holds moisture against the metal and causes rust. A putty knife works great for this. Spray the clean deck with a light coat of WD-40 or silicone spray.

Step 5: Sharpen or Replace the Blade — End of season is the perfect time to sharpen your blade. A sharp blade makes cleaner cuts, reduces engine strain, and gives you a healthier lawn. If the blade is bent, cracked, or worn thin, replace it.

Step 6: Clean or Replace the Air Filter — A dirty air filter restricts airflow and makes the engine run rich. Paper filters should be replaced; foam filters can be washed with soap and water, dried, and lightly oiled.

Step 7: Store it Right — Keep your mower in a dry, covered space. A garage or shed is ideal. If you must store it outside, use a quality cover. Never store a mower with a full fuel tank in an enclosed space.

If all this sounds like more work than you want to tackle, bring your mower to us for a winterization service. We'll handle everything and have it ready to go when spring arrives.