Don't Just Park Your Lawn Mower For The Winter: 10 Steps That Could Save You Hundreds Next Spring

When the mowing season comes to an end, many homeowners simply push the mower into the garage and forget about it until April.   Unfortunately, that could lead to hard starts, stale fuel, dead batteries, rust and expensive repairs.    A little maintenance before Winter can extend the life of your mower and help ensure it's ready to go when the grass starts growing again.

Here are 10 things every homeowner should do before putting a lawn mower away for the season.

1. Clean the Deck Thoroughly

Grass clippings trap moisture. If left on the underside of the mower deck, they can promote rust and corrosion over the winter. Use a scraper or hose—if recommended by your mower’s manufacturer—to remove built-up debris before storing the mower.

2. Change the Oil

Dirty oil contains contaminants that can sit inside the engine for months. Replacing the oil before storage helps protect internal engine components and provides a fresh start next season.

3. Replace or Clean the Air Filter

A clogged air filter makes the engine work harder. Replacing an inexpensive air filter now can improve performance and fuel efficiency when spring arrives.

4. Sharpen the Blade

A sharp blade cuts cleaner and puts less stress on the mower. Having the blade sharpened during the offseason means you’ll be ready to mow immediately next spring.

5. Stabilize or Remove the Fuel

Old gasoline is one of the biggest causes of spring starting problems. Add a fuel stabilizer and run the engine for a few minutes—or drain the fuel system if recommended by your equipment manufacturer.

6. Check the Spark Plug

Inspect the spark plug for wear. Replacing it now is inexpensive and can prevent frustrating starting issues later.

7. Lubricate Moving Parts

Grease fittings, wheel bearings, cables and pivot points according to your owner’s manual. Proper lubrication helps prevent corrosion during months of storage.

8. Protect the Battery on Riding Mowers

If you own a riding mower:

• Disconnect the battery.

• Store it in a cool, dry location.

• Keep it on a battery maintainer if possible.

A properly maintained battery can last years longer.

9. Inspect Belts and Tires

Look for:

• Cracked belts

• Worn tires

• Loose hardware

• Oil leaks

Finding small issues now can prevent bigger repair bills later.

10. Schedule Professional Service Before Spring

Many repair shops become extremely busy once warm weather arrives. Having your mower serviced during the offseason often means:

• Faster turnaround

• Less downtime

• A mower that’s ready for the first nice weekend of spring

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