Get ready for yardwork with easy 10-minute lawn-mower tuneup
Spring has sprung, and summer is just around the corner. That means weekend warriors across the U.S. will be gearing up for yardwork.
A healthy lawn starts with good maintenance, and the most important step is mowing. Is your lawn mower ready to go?
A lawn mower is an investment, and if you take a few proactive maintenance steps, you’ll keep it running efficiently all season long. However, research from Briggs & Stratton Corp., a manufacturer of small engines for outdoor power equipment, found that only 30 percent of mower owners perform regular maintenance.
Lawn-mower maintenance doesn’t have to be a time-consuming headache. All it takes is 10 minutes, and you’ll give your gas-powered mower the tuneup it needs to run its best and extend its life. (Expert tip for before you get started: Disconnect your spark-plug wire, and leave it disconnected for the entire tuneup.)
• Lube it up.
Oil is the lifeblood of the engine, so it’s essential to change it with each passing season. Over time, oil gets dirty and can harm the machine’s components.
Be sure to use new oil made specifically for small engines of outdoor power equipment. This will help ensure maximum efficiency, and will also protect the engine.
Changing the oil on your mower is faster, easier and less messy when you use an affordable oil removal kit. These kits allow you to easily extract old oil and add new with minimal mess and headache.
• Let the air flow.
As you can imagine, lawn-mower air filters catch all kinds of dirt and debris while you mow the lawn. Over time, this debris can block the airflow needed for your engine to run well. If you own a walk-style mower, the engine likely has a paper or foam filter.
Pleated paper air filters should be replaced once they’re visually dirty. If your mower uses
a foam filter, you may be able to clean it by hand with dish soap and hot water, then allow it to dry completely before replacing it in the machine.
Changing the air filter should be done seasonally and is surprisingly simple. Take off the filter cover, using a screwdriver if necessary, remove the old filter, and replace it with a new one. If your mower uses a foam filter, there are likely extra steps involved, so be sure to check your engine operator’s manual or the new filter box for instructions.
• Get fresh gas.
Did you know that gas can go bad in as few as 30 days? This bad gas can potentially clog an engine’s fuel system, which could lead to your mower not starting and require costly repairs. Adding a fuel treatment to your red gas can every time you fill it can help prevent this type of damage.
Once you complete these three simple steps, reconnect the spark plug wire, and you’ll be ready to mow. In just minutes you can tune up your mower and help it work at peak performance so you can mow efficiently, then sit back and enjoy your freshly cut lawn.