A good lawn mower helps you keep your lawn looking neat and trim without requiring too much of your time. However, various aspects—from the blades to the tires—require maintenance to perform their jobs optimally. The guide below looks at best practices.

How to Prepare Your Lawn Mower for Summer

1. Change the Spark Plugs

Spark plugs create the spark that ignites the fuel that powers the engine. Therefore, if your lawn mower develops problems starting, starts but then idles, or consumes fuel more rapidly than usual, consider replacing these components. You can also be preemptive by switching them out after they've had 25 hours of use.  

First, remove the spark plug wire to prevent any accidental ignitions, and then clean around the base of the old plug to prevent any debris from loosening and falling into the plughole. Using a socket wrench or spark plug tool, turn the plug counter-clockwise to remove it. 

Adjust the spark gap at the tip of the new plug to be the appropriate size, based on the directions in your mower's manual. Screw it in clockwise, and tighten it firmly—but do not over-tighten it—with the wrench or plug tool.

2. Sharpen the Blade

A dull blade does not shear through grass but rather whacks the tops off the blades, leaving them shredded. This looks messy and can result in lawn damage. Therefore, take your machine to a professional for blade sharpening at the beginning of every mowing season.

3. Switch Out the Tires

To avoid accidentally puncturing the tires, pick up sharp branches and stones that may have wound up in your lawn before beginning to mow. You should also inspect the tires regularly, looking for signs of dry rot or air pressure leaks. Loss of traction when navigating hills is also a sign of trouble. Have the tires replaced if there are consistent issues or every five years, whichever comes sooner.

4. Replace Gas & Oil

Petroleum products start to degrade after several months of disuse, so drain the machine of old gas and oil at the start of the season. If your lawn mower has no drain lines, you can buy siphon hoses at an auto parts or farm supplies store. Store and dispose of the old fluids safely, as per local ordinances. Fill it with clean gas and new oil. Replace the oil filter, as well, to ensure proper lubrication of engine parts. 

If you seek high-quality, affordable lawn and farm supplies, stop by Carhart Feed & Seed Co. in Dove Creek, CO. They have served the region for more than 25 years, and they are renowned for their helpful, friendly service and wide product selection. Reach out to them through their Facebook page, or call (970) 677-2233 for business hours or pricing.