When cooler temperatures and winter weather set in, you and your lawn mower get a break until the spring. While you won't need your lawn mower in the months ahead, it's essential to prepare it for an extended period of disuse. This ensures it's ready to go once warmer weather returns. Here's what you should know. 

How to Prepare Your Lawn Mower for Winter

1. Stabilize the Fuel

Gas starts to break down after 30 days or so, so you don't want to leave a partially full tank in your lawn mower. This causes the degrading gas to damage internal parts and draw in moisture, leading to rusting. Instead, topping off the tank with a fuel stabilizer prevents thickening gas, protecting your mower and saving you the hassle of draining the tank.

2. Disconnect the Battery

Taking the battery out helps slow its loss of charge and preserves its lifespan. Remove it by first disconnecting the negative cable; look for the minus sign to guide you if you're not sure where it is. You can wipe the battery down with a clean, soft cloth and gently remove buildup or corrosion from the terminals using a metal brush. The battery should be stored in a cool, dry place throughout the winter.

3. Change the Oil

Old or contaminated oil may contain gas, acids, moisture, or soot, which can corrode the engine as the mower sits unused in the months ahead. Because every mower is a bit different, following the guidelines in the owner's manual will indicate how to change the oil and what kind to use. If you have a four-stroke engine, it's best to change the oil before putting the mower away for winter. Take care to dispose of oil in environmentally sound ways, such as at a recycling center, and remember never to pour it down drains.

4. Schedule Service

A professional checks the various systems and components to ensure everything is working properly during a prewinter maintenance appointment. This can save you time and money come spring when everyone else will likely have their mowers serviced. Your technician will also identify necessary repairs, ensuring the mower is operational when the weather warms up.

Ensure your mower gets all the care and attention it needs to remain operational for years with services from Performance PowerSports of Indiana. Serving the Indianapolis area, they feature a full selection of new and used mowers, golf carts, and other outdoor power equipment. Visit them online for a complete list of services, or call (765) 325-5979 to request a quote.