Lawn Mower Maintenance Tips

Raise your hand if this has happened to you. You're ready to begin your spring to-do list by sprucing up your yard only to discover that your lawn mower has kicked the bucket.

When it comes to home appliances, most homeowners overlook this pricey piece of equipment even though it's one of the most vital resources for the exterior. Whether you're dedicated to crafting the best lawn on the block or simply want to provide a tidy space for your children and pets to play, lawn mower maintenance is a necessity. Here are a few helpful tips to keep your lawn mower running for as long as possible.

• Add it to Your Home Improvement Checklist
  Do you have a monthly or seasonal checklist? Add lawn mower maintenance to the list! You'd be surprised how many years can pass before you remember to tend to important maintenance tasks. We suggest always adding it to your home improvement list so that you can rely on the mower from spring to fall without worry.
• Read the Owner's Manual
  Though you may know how to operate a lawn mower, each machine is unique in a number of ways. By reading the owner's manual and consulting its operating instructions once a year, you can ensure that you're following the best practices intended to keep the machine running correctly throughout its lifespan.
• Manage the Fluids
  In many ways, your lawn mower engine is similar to your car's engine. It will likely require oil and gasoline, two fluids that you must consistently monitor. Old gasoline should be removed from the gas tank before starting up the mower, especially after it's left sitting unoperated during the winter. You should also drain and replace your oil regularly, just as you would on your vehicle.
• Check Other Vital Components
  The oil and fuel aren't the only similarities between lawn mowers and vehicles. You should swap out your spark plugs annually and inspect your air filter. This can be easily completed each year when you replace your oil.
• Sharpen the Blades
  Over time, the blades of your lawn mower will wear down and become dull. Thankfully, they can be sharpened and rebalanced to provide an even cut on your lawn. If you don't feel comfortable sharpening them on your own, call a professional for help.
• Keep the Underside Clean
  Every time your mow, grass clippings, and other debris will accumulate on the underside of the mower above the blades. These clumps can prevent the blades from moving correctly and they must be removed before they build up too much. When the mower is out of gas, or when you remove the battery, turn the mower on its side and safely clean the undercarriage.
• Winterize the Mower
  Here's a home improvement tip that many homeowners neglect — winterizing their lawn mowers. After your final mow of the fall, remove all gas from the gas tank. You can also replace the oil at this time so that it's ready to run during the spring.
• Consider an Annual Tune-Up
  Is your home improvement list a lot to tackle? Let a professional handle your lawn mower maintenance. Lawn mower repair services, which you can often find in hardware stores and some mechanic shops, will typically change your oil, remove the old gasoline, change the spark plugs and air filter, sharpen the blades, and make sure the machine will operate without fail throughout your next mowing season.

Don't neglect lawn mower maintenance! Keep this expensive tool running smoothly throughout the year by adding lawnmower maintenance to your annual or seasonal home improvement checklist!

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