During the winter months, the cold temperatures can cause an abundance of issues within your mower’s operating systems. This is why winterizing your mower is an essential task that every owner should complete. Preparing it for the winter months will ensure smooth and efficient operation the following season. Here are some steps to follow to winterize your mower:

1. Empty the gas tank: When emptying your mower’s gas tank you want to make sure you have every last drop of fuel. The best way to do this is by siphoning out as much gas as possible and following that by running the engine until the gas has entirely dissipated. We recommend using a battery-powered liquid transfer pump, Harbor Freight offers an affordable and well-made transfer pump that we firmly approve of.
2. Disconnect your spark plug: Disconnecting your spark plug not only ensures your safety while cleaning your mower is also allows you to clean your spark plug. A clean spark plug helps prevent your engine from misfiring. There are a few different ways to clean a spark plug; if your spark plug is only lightly soiled, sandpaper is a viable option. Start by removing any debris on the outside of the plug. Next, use 220-grit sandpaper to gently sand away the buildup. Another option is WD-40. Apply WD-40 on a microfiber cloth and rub over the spark plug. You can also apply WD-40 directly to the spark plug and then wipe it down using a soft, clean cloth.
3. Drain the OIL: Over winter oil can corrode the internal parts of your lawn mower’s engine. This is due to the gasoline, moisture, acids, and soot within the oil. Change the oil in your mower once the temperature reaches a constant of less than 50°. Once the fresh oil is in, run your engine for a few minutes to coat all the internal parts with clean oil.
4. Deep clean: using a garden hose or pressure washer, loosen grass clumps and any other debris from the underside of your mower deck. If there’s a residue that cannot be removed, be sure to use plastic tools like a brush or ice scraper to scrub it away. Top it off by giving it a final rinse and be sure to dry it completely to avoid rust formation.
5. Replace the air filter: An engine with a clean filter runs cooler and will last longer.  Air filters get very dirty over time especially when used consistently. This can be done at the beginning or end of the mowing season but, be sure to do it at least once a year. Also, dirty air filters pollute the environment. Here at Yard Dudes, we do everything in our power to operate in a clean and eco-friendly manner. This is why we change our air filters a minimum of once every three months.
6. Last but not least, store your mower in a dry, protected place: We have all seen what nature can do to a piece of machinery. The last thing you want is a rusted, misfiring, inoperable mower come Summertime. Avoid this by keeping your mower somewhere you know none of the harsh outdoor elements will be able to reach.

Thank you for taking time out of your day to read another YARD TALK! We strive to provide only the best, most accurate, and helpful tips we have to offer. If you have any questions about anything discussed in this article or another one,  feel free to shoot us an email at yarddudesco@gmail.com.