Although Georgia enjoys mild winters, there still comes a time to put away the lawn mower for the season. It may be tempting to roll yours into a shed or garage and forget about it until the first spring mow, but ignoring a few fall maintenance steps can lead to choppy performance or a breakdown. Here's how to protect your mower during the offseason.

How to Prep a Lawn Mower for the Cold Months

1. Empty or Stabilize the Fuel

A gas-powered mower's fuel must either be removed or stabilized. Draining the tank prevents the gasoline from degrading and damaging the engine parts through corrosion. Adding a fuel stabilizer and running the engine to circulate the treated gas will likewise prevent degradation.

2. Disconnect Battery & Spark Plug

Remove the battery after disconnecting its cables. Once it's out of the mower, the surface should be cleaned before it's stored in a cool, dry place, far from combustible substances.

The spark plug should also be disconnected to prevent accidental starts, which can result in serious injuries. The next step is to spray oil into the cylinder and make sure it’s distributed evenly on the walls. In the spring, it's smart to consider replacing the old plug.

3. Detach the Blade

Tip the lawn mower onto its side or prop it securely until you have a clear view of the underside. To avoid scrapes when cleaning, it's best to remove the mower blades. Thick gloves should be worn when handling or sharpening blades.

4. Clean the Deck

With the blade removed, hose off fresh clippings and use a paint scraper or putty knife to chisel off dried grass and caked mud. This is a key step because leftover clippings can get wet and cause rusting. When the deck has dried, it can be coated liberally with silicone spray for protection.

5. Change Oil & Filters

Routine oil changes extend your engine’s useful life by preventing debris and combustion acids from getting into the engine. Generally, this task should be performed every 50 hours or so of use, and this often coincides with the beginning of the offseason. Drain all the old oil and replace it as recommended by the manufacturer.

Finally, remove the air and fuel filters. Your owner's manual will let you know if you can clean them; if not, they should be replaced.

Before stowing away your lawn mower for the season, winterize it with help from Southside Equipment. Serving the community in and around Milledgeville, GA, they are a trusted lawn equipment and tractor dealer, offering brands from high-performing manufacturers like Kubota® and Land Pride®. They offer full tuneup services in their parts and repair department, and they carry the latest models when it's time to upgrade to an energy-efficient, time-saving model. Call (478) 452-5523 to speak to a team member or schedule a service appointment online.