| Your lawnmower is an investment that will keep your | | | | Replacing spark plugs and air filters before the first |
| lawn turning heads-as long as you take care of the | | | | spring use is an inexpensive way to properly maintain |
| engine. Proper lawnmower care is crucial to for | | | | and protect your lawn mower. Do this every year to |
| smooth performance. The changing seasons require | | | | extend the life of your mower. Replace paper filters, |
| certain precautions to properly store the lawn mower | | | | and thoroughly wash and air dry foam filters. Don't |
| while it is not in use. Here are six steps you should | | | | forget to change the fuel filter as well. |
| take to protect your lawn mower throughout the | | | | 6. Check the Blades |
| year: | | | | Every spring, you should have your lawnmower's |
| 1. Check the Battery | | | | blades sharpened. Dull blades could damage your lawn |
| Recharge the battery throughout the off-season | | | | and will cause the lawn mower to be less |
| starting the engine from time to time or simply | | | | fuel-efficient. A damaged lawn and inefficient mower |
| attach the battery to a charger. | | | | will also make you work much harder than you need |
| 2. Check the Fuel | | | | to. It is a good idea to sharpen the lawn mower |
| All engines can be damaged by old or deteriorated | | | | blades at lease once a month during the peak season. |
| fuel. In as little as just one month, gasoline can | | | | 7. Clean the Deck |
| deteriorate damage your lawnmower's small engine | | | | A dirty deck can cause your mower to work harder |
| by clogging the carburetor, thus preventing the | | | | than it should and to burn more fuel. It can also |
| engine from starting properly. The keep your | | | | damage your lawn. Cleaning the deck is relatively |
| lawnmower's engine clean, add a fuel stabilizer each | | | | simple and should be done after each use. Simply turn |
| time you fill the tank. | | | | the mower onto its side, carefully positioning it so |
| 3. Check the Oil | | | | that motor oil does not leak into the fuel system. |
| Just like automotive engines, small engines must | | | | Then scrape or hose off lawn clippings from the |
| undergo regular oil changes. Oil lubricates the engine | | | | deck of the mower. If possible, spray silicone |
| during use, which prevents premature damage. | | | | lubricant onto the deck to reduce build up during use. |
| Before starting the lawn mower in the spring, give it | | | | Make sure the mower is completely off before |
| an oil change. This is especially important if you did | | | | cleaning the deck to avoid injury. |
| not change the oil before storing it for the winter. | | | | Behind every pristine lawn is careful lawnmower |
| 4. Lubricate Moving Parts | | | | maintenance. In addition to better mower |
| The engine is not the only part of your lawn mower | | | | performance, lawnmower maintenance saves money, |
| that requires proper lubrication. It is a good idea to | | | | as a well-lubricated, clean machine is more energy |
| keep all moving parts, including the wheels and cables, | | | | efficient and requires less fuel. As long as you follow |
| adequately lubricated with oil or grease. If you still | | | | these simple tips when preparing your lawn mower |
| have the owner's manual, check it for details on | | | | for the spring and summer, you should enjoy a good |
| properly lubricating moving parts. | | | | working mower for many years to come. |
| 5. Replace Spark Plugs and Filters | | | | |