Let me tell you something most people get wrong about lawn mower winterization – they think their machine can handle a harsh winter without proper prep. Trust me, I’ve seen countless $500+ repairs that could’ve been avoided with some simple winterizing steps.
Here’s the real deal – if you’re stashing your mower away for winter without proper prep, you’re basically throwing money in the trash.
Why Winterizing Your Lawn Mower Matters
You know what’s wild? About 80% of the lawn mower repairs in Augusta, I handle in spring come from improper winter storage. We’re talking seized engines, corroded fuel systems, and dead batteries – all preventable issues that hit your wallet hard.
The Real Cost of Skipping Winter Prep
Let’s break down the numbers:
- Basic winterizing supplies: $30-50
- Average spring repair from poor storage: $200-400
- Replacement cost for a damaged mower: $300-1000+
The math isn’t complicated here, folks.
Your Step-by-Step Winterizing Game Plan
1. Fuel System First
The number one killer of lawn mowers during winter? Old gas turning into a gummy mess in your fuel system. Here’s what you need to do:
Either run the mower completely dry of fuel, or add a high-quality fuel stabilizer and run the engine for 10 minutes to distribute it through the system.
2. Oil Change Magic
Fresh oil is like insurance for your engine during storage. Don’t skip this step – old oil contains acids that can corrode your engine over winter.
3. Battery Boss Move
For riding mowers, either:
- Remove the battery and store it in a warm, dry place
- Use a trickle charger to maintain battery life
4. Clean Machine
Get rid of all grass clippings and debris from:
- Under the deck
- Around the engine
- In cooling fins
- Around belts and pulleys
5. Storage Smarts
Your storage location can make or break your winterizing efforts:
- Keep it in a dry, covered area
- Use a breathable cover (avoid plastic that traps moisture)
- Elevate it off concrete if possible
Pro Tips You Won’t Find Elsewhere
- Spray the underside of your deck with cooking spray before storage – it prevents rust and makes spring cleaning easier
- Write down your winterizing date and steps taken – this helps track maintenance history and resale value
- Take photos of any concerning areas before storage – this gives you a baseline for spring inspection
When to Start Winterizing
Here’s the thing – don’t wait for the first snowfall. Start your winterizing process when:
- Daytime temperatures consistently stay below 50°F
- You’ve done your last mow of the season
- At least 2-3 weeks before expected first frost
Tips for Winterizing a Riding Lawn Mower
For those with a riding lawn mower, a few additional steps are essential:
- Battery Care: Disconnect the battery and store it indoors. Charge it periodically to maintain its health.
- Tires: Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure to avoid flat spots.
| Task | Action |
| Drain Fuel | Add stabilizer or empty tank |
| Change Oil | Add stabilizer or empty tank |
| Air Filter | Clean or replace |
| Spark Plug | Inspect and replace if needed |
| Blades | Sharpen and apply protective coating |
| Deck Cleaning | Scrape and wash undercarriage |
| Battery (Riding) | Disconnect and store indoors |
| Storage | Store in a dry, sheltered area |
The Spring Payoff
Proper winterizing isn’t just about prevention – it’s about performance. A well-winterized mower:
- Starts up first try in spring
- Runs more efficiently
- Lasts years longer
- Maintains better resale value
Remember, winterizing your lawn mower isn’t just maintenance – it’s an investment in your equipment’s longevity. Take these steps seriously, and you’ll be thanking yourself when spring rolls around.