Your lawn mower has put in a lot of work over the summer as your faithful yard cleanup and maintenance tool. Now as the seasons change it is time to start looking at putting the lawn mower away for the season in storage. If you spend just a little time preparing your mower for the storage during the winter months then you will enjoy a very happy reunion next summer and also extend the life expectancy of your lawn mower. Small engines last a long time with the right care and maintenance and we can help with a small engine tune up and/or repair prior to winter storage.
Remove the Battery
When storing your small engine lawn mower it is a good idea to remove the battery. You will want to store it in a cool, dry place but make sure that it is stored away from gas cans, water heaters, furnaces and sources of heat. Disconnect your cables, clean the terminals with a metal brush and place in your storage area.
Clean Your Mower
This one may seem unnecessary however cleaning your small engine machine is actually very important to preserve the life of your small engine because it gives you the opportunity to look over your equipment and check for issues. Also cleaning your mower just makes things look nicer and brings out a sense of pride in you about taking care of your machine.
Add Stabilized Fuel
Gas begins to degrade in as little as 30 days which can lead to your engine’s fuel system clogging and your lawn mower which can prevent it from starting the following growing season. Storage fuel stabilizer can help eliminate the need to drain fuel prior to storage and ensures quick easy starts next season by preventing gum and vanish build-up within your engine’s fuel system. You can even keep your fuel fresh for up to 24 months with the right stuff.
Store your Mower in a Dry Place
Store your mower in a dry, protected place such as your garage or a garden storage shed. Never store it next to a furnace, water heater or appliance with a pilot light as this can be very dangerous.
With the right storage plan and preparation you can be sure that your lawn mower will last as long as possible and be ready for you next spring to take on your lawn maintenance tasks. If you want to book a small engine repair or tuneup in Ottawa give us a call and we will book a small engine maintenance appointment for you right away.