Seasonal Mower Maintenance: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Your lawn mower is an investment, and like any investment, it needs regular care to perform at its best. Proper maintenance not only extends the life of your equipment but also ensures a cleaner cut, better fuel efficiency, and fewer breakdowns. In this guide, we'll walk you through a seasonal maintenance checklist to keep your mower running like new, year after year.

Spring: Preparing for the Mowing Season

Spring is the time to wake your mower up from winter storage and get it ready for the busy mowing season ahead.

For Gas-Powered Mowers:

• Change the oil: Drain the old oil and replace it with fresh oil specified by the manufacturer. This is the single most important maintenance task for gas engines.
• Replace the spark plug: A fresh spark plug ensures easy starting and efficient combustion. Remove the old plug, check the gap, and install a new one.
• Replace or clean the air filter: A clogged air filter reduces engine performance and fuel efficiency. Paper filters should be replaced; foam filters can be washed and re-oiled.
• Add fresh fuel: If you used fuel stabilizer over winter, the gas should be fine. If not, drain the old fuel and add fresh gasoline.
• Check the fuel filter: Replace if clogged or more than one year old.

For All Mowers:

• Sharpen or replace blades: Sharp blades are critical for a clean cut. Dull blades tear grass, leaving ragged edges that turn brown and invite disease. Sharpen blades yourself with a file or take them to a professional.
• Clean the deck: Remove caked-on grass from the underside of the mowing deck. Built-up grass reduces cutting efficiency and promotes rust.
• Check tire pressure: For riding mowers and self-propelled mowers, ensure tires are properly inflated for even cutting height.
• Inspect cables and belts: Check for fraying, cracking, or looseness. Replace any damaged cables or belts before the season starts.
• Lubricate moving parts: Apply grease to wheel bearings, pivot points, and other moving components as specified in your owner's manual.

Summer: Mid-Season Maintenance

During the peak mowing season, focus on keeping your mower clean and monitoring for issues.

• Clean the deck after each use: Grass clippings build up quickly under the deck. A quick scrape after each mowing session prevents buildup and rust.
• Check oil regularly: For gas mowers, check the oil level before each use and top off if needed. If the oil looks dark and dirty, it's time for a change.
• Monitor blade sharpness: If you notice grass tips turning brown or the mower struggling to cut cleanly, it's time to sharpen the blades. Most homeowners need to sharpen blades 2–3 times per season.
• Clean the air filter: Check the air filter monthly during heavy use. In dusty conditions, you may need to clean or replace it more frequently.
• Check battery health (electric mowers): Monitor battery runtime. If you notice significantly reduced runtime, the battery may be nearing the end of its lifespan.
• Keep the engine clean: Brush away grass and debris from the engine cooling fins and air intake to prevent overheating.

Fall: End-of-Season Preparation

As the mowing season winds down, it's time to prepare your equipment for winter storage.

For Gas-Powered Mowers:

• Run the fuel dry or add stabilizer: Either run the mower until it runs out of gas, or add fuel stabilizer to the tank and run the engine for 5 minutes to distribute it. This prevents fuel from degrading and clogging the carburetor over winter.
• Change the oil: Do a final oil change before storage so the engine sits with clean oil, not contaminated oil that could corrode internal parts.
• Remove the spark plug: Remove the spark plug and add a teaspoon of oil to the cylinder. Pull the starter cord a few times to distribute the oil, then reinstall the plug. This prevents cylinder rust.

For Electric Mowers:

• Remove and store the battery: Remove the battery and store it indoors at room temperature. Never store a battery in a cold garage or shed.
• Charge to 50%: Store the battery at approximately 50% charge. Fully charged or fully discharged batteries degrade faster in storage.

For All Mowers:

• Deep clean the deck: Give the mower a thorough cleaning, removing all grass and debris from the deck, wheels, and engine compartment.
• Sharpen blades for next season: Sharpen blades now so they're ready to go in spring. Apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust.
• Inspect for wear: Check belts, cables, wheels, and handles for wear. Order replacement parts now so you can install them before next season.

Winter: Storage Best Practices

• Store in a dry, covered area: Keep your mower in a garage, shed, or storage unit. Protect it from rain, snow, and extreme temperature fluctuations.
• Use a mower cover: A breathable cover protects against dust and moisture while allowing air circulation to prevent condensation.
• Store on a level surface: This prevents oil from pooling in one side of the engine and keeps the mower stable.
• Remove the battery (electric mowers): Store batteries at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Protect from rodents: Mice and other rodents can chew on wires and build nests in engine compartments. Consider using rodent repellent near your stored equipment.

Maintenance Schedule Summary

Need Replacement Parts or a New Mower?

If your mower needs more than maintenance this season, browse our collections for professional-grade replacement equipment. We carry walk-behind mowers, riding mowers, zero-turn mowers, and accessories including sharpening kits and mower shelters. For maintenance advice or product questions, contact our team — we're here to help.