Hey there, it’s your buddy Jeff here. I’ve had my share of mishaps with old gas in my lawn mower, and let me tell you, it’s not a good time.
So, I figured I’d write this article to help you avoid the same fate. If you’re wondering how long gas can sit in a lawn mower before it goes bad, well, read on and I’ll fill you in.
How Gas Goes Bad
First off, let’s talk about how gas goes bad. Gasoline is made up of a bunch of different chemicals, and over time, these chemicals start to break down and form gunk and contaminants.
This process is accelerated by heat, moisture, and air exposure, so if you’ve got a can of gas sitting in your garage that’s been open for a while, it’s likely to go bad faster than a sealed can of gas that’s been stored in a cool, dry place.
How Long Gas Can Sit Before it Goes Bad
So, how long can gas sit before it goes bad? Well, it depends on a few factors, including the quality of the gas, the storage conditions, and the age of the gas.
In general, though, most experts agree that gas starts to go bad after about three to six months. After that point, it’s likely to start forming gunk and contaminants that can cause problems for your engine.
What to Do with Old Gas
If you’ve got old gas in your tank and you’re not sure if it’s still good, there are a few things you can do:
- Drain the old gas out of the tank and refill it with fresh, high-quality gas.
- Add a fuel stabilizer to the old gas to help extend its shelf life.
- Dispose of the old gas properly (check with your local waste management authority for guidelines).
FAQ
How Long Can Gas Sit in a Lawn Mower Before it Needs to be Changed?
In general, it’s a good idea to change the gas in your lawn mower (or any other gas-powered equipment) after about three to six months.
After that point, the gas is likely to start going bad and forming gunk and contaminants that can cause problems for your engine.
Can You Use Old Gas in a Lawn Mower?
It’s generally not a good idea to use old gas in a lawn mower (or any other gas-powered equipment).
Old gas can cause all kinds of problems, including engine damage, poor performance, and difficulty starting.
If you’ve got old gas in your tank and you’re not sure if it’s still good, it’s best to drain it out of the tank and refill it with fresh, high-quality gas.
How Do You Store Gas for a Lawn Mower?
If you want to store gas for your lawn mower (or any other gas-powered equipment), here are a few tips:
- Store the gas in a clean, approved container.
- Keep the container in a cool, dry place.
- Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent air from getting in.
- Add a fuel stabilizer to the gas to help extend its shelf life.
Conclusion: Don’t Let Your Gas Go Stale
In conclusion, it’s important to pay attention to the age of your gas when using a lawn mower (or any other gas-powered equipment).
Gas starts to go bad after about three to six months, and using old gas can cause all kinds of problems, including engine damage, poor performance, and difficulty starting.
If you’ve got old gas in your tank and you’re not sure if it’s still good, it’s best to drain it out of the tank and refill it with fresh, high-quality gas. And if you need to store gas for a while, make sure to follow the tips above to help extend its shelf life.
So, remember, don’t be like me and end up stranded in the middle of your lawn with a dead mower and a whole lot of grass to cut.
Keep your gas fresh, and you’ll have a smooth, hassle-free mowing experience. Happy mowing!