How to Prepare Your Lawn Mower for Winter Storage

As the mowing season comes to an end, many homeowners wonder how to properly store their lawnmower to ensure it starts up effortlessly in the spring. Follow these expert advice on essential steps to take before you tuck your mower away for the winter. These maintenance tips will help preserve the mower's performance, protect its engine, and keep it ready for action.

Key Steps to Store Your Lawnmower

Whether you're dealing with a ride-on mower or a push mower, the following steps are crucial to ensure smooth functionality next spring.

1. Change the Oil

The most important step in preparing your lawnmower for winter storage is to change the oil. Over time, contaminants such as dust, dirt, and combustion by-products build up in the oil. If left unchecked, these contaminants can damage the engine. By draining the old oil and refilling with fresh oil, you protect your mower from potential harm.

How to Change the Oil:

•Locate the oil drain plug underneath your mower.

•Remove the plug and allow the oil to drain into a pan.

•Once drained, refill the engine with the appropriate amount of oil. Use the dipstick to ensure the oil level is full.

For small engines, it's recommended to use AMSOIL's Formula 4-Stroke Small Engine Oil 10W-30. This oil is specifically designed to enhance performance and durability in small engines, providing the protection needed for winter storage.

2. Treat the Fuel

No matter what type of fuel you're using, it's essential to treat it before storing your mower. Over time, fuel can break down, leading to corrosion, varnish buildup, and other issues that can prevent the engine from running smoothly when it's time to mow again.

AMSOIL offers two excellent options for fuel treatment:

•AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer: Designed for long-term storage, this stabilizer protects fuel from deterioration, including corrosion and varnish buildup. It ensures your mower will start easily after months of inactivity.

•AMSOIL Quickshot: Ideal for summer use, this product helps with ethanol-related issues and fights against corrosion and other fuel deterioration problems.

By treating the fuel before storing your lawnmower, you're ensuring a hassle-free start when spring rolls around.

3. Inspect the Air Filter

The air filter plays a vital role in protecting your engine from dirt and debris. Before storing your lawnmower, it's a good idea to inspect and clean the air filter. If it's dirty or clogged, replace it with a new one. Cleaning or replacing the air filter ensures the engine gets the clean air it needs for optimal performance.

To access the air filter:

•Remove the cover (usually simple to do).

•Inspect the filter. If it's only slightly dirty, clean it; if it's too dirty, replace it with a fresh one.

This small task will help your mower run more efficiently and reduce wear and tear on the engine.

4. Always Consult Your Owner's Manual

While the steps above are essential for preparing your mower for storage, it's important to note that some lawnmowers—especially newer push mowers—may not have a traditional oil drain plug. Instead, the oil may need to be drained through the filler neck. Consult your owner's manual for specific procedures and guidelines. The manual will also provide vital information such as the correct oil type, oil capacity, and other maintenance tips.

Why Use AMSOIL Products?

AMSOIL is well-known for its high-quality, durable products designed for optimal engine protection. Whether it's the AMSOIL Formula 4-Stroke Small Engine Oil or their fuel treatment options like AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer and AMSOIL Quickshot, these products provide superior protection that prolongs the life of your engine.

Using AMSOIL products ensures your lawnmower's engine is well-protected against wear, corrosion, and fuel-related issues, even during extended storage periods.

Lawnmower Storage Key Takeaways:

•Change the oil before storage to protect the engine from contaminants.

•Treat the fuel with AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer or Quickshot to prevent fuel deterioration.

•Inspect and clean the air filter to ensure proper airflow and engine efficiency.

•Consult your owner's manual for specific maintenance instructions, especially if your mower lacks a drain plug.

By following these simple steps and using AMSOIL products, you'll ensure that your lawnmower is ready to run when spring returns.

Ready to Protect Your Lawn Mower?

Ensure your lawnmower starts up effortlessly next season by using high-quality AMSOIL products. Visit Vyscocity.com to explore the full range of AMSOIL synthetic lubricants, oils, and fuel treatments. Prepare your equipment now to avoid costly repairs and downtime in the spring!