How to Winterize Your Lawn Mower (So It Starts in Spring)

Put your mower away the wrong way, and it might not start in spring. A little work now saves a headache later. Here's how, following Briggs and Stratton.

1. Step 1: Treat The Gas

Gas can start breaking down in as little as thirty days. Add fuel stabilizer to the gas, following the bottle, fill the tank, then run the engine for a few minutes so the treated fuel gets all the way through.

2. No Stabilizer?

If you don't use stabilizer, drain the gas instead, and run the engine until it stops on its own.

3. Step 2: Change The Oil

With the engine slightly warm, drain the old oil, and refill with the type and amount in your owner's manual.

4. Step 3: Air Filter

Check the air filter. If it's dirty, clean it the way the manual says, or replace it.

5. Step 4: The Blade

Safety first. Disconnect the spark plug wire before going near the blade. Then check it. A worn or damaged blade should be sharpened, or replaced. A repair shop can do this for you.

6. Step 5: Store It Right

Store it covered, somewhere dry, like a shed or garage, away from gas cans, water heaters, and furnaces. Riding mower? Take the battery out, negative cable first, and keep it somewhere cool and dry.