Hey there, it’s your pal Jeff here. I’m here to talk about a question that I’m sure we’ve all asked ourselves at some point: Should I store my lawn mower with gas in the tank?
I’ll admit, I’ve made some mistakes in my time when it comes to storing my mower, so let me share what I’ve learned with you.
Why You Shouldn’t Leave Gas in Mower Over Winter
First off, let’s talk about why you shouldn’t leave gas in your mower when storing it for the winter (or any extended period of time).
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 tank full of gas sitting in your garage all winter, it’s likely to go bad faster than a tank that’s been emptied and refilled with fresh gas.
Leaving old gas in your mower when storing it can cause all kinds of problems, including engine damage, poor performance, and difficulty starting.
And if you’re not using your mower during the winter months, it’s likely that the gas will go stale before you even have a chance to use it again.
What to Do with Gas in Mower When Storing
So, what should you do with the gas in your mower when storing it? Here are a few options:
- Drain the gas out of the tank and refill it with fresh, high-quality gas before storing your mower.
- Add a fuel stabilizer to the gas to help extend its shelf life.
- Store your mower in a cool, dry place to help prevent the gas from going bad.
FAQ
Should I Leave Gas in Mower When Storing?
It’s generally not a good idea to leave gas in your mower when storing it for an extended period of time.
Gas starts to go bad after about three to six months, and leaving old gas in your mower when storing it can cause all kinds of
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problems, including engine damage, poor performance, and difficulty starting. If you need to store your mower, it’s best to drain the gas out of the tank and refill it with fresh, high-quality gas before storing it.
How Do I Store My Mower for the Winter?
To store your mower for the winter, follow these steps:
- Drain the gas out of the tank and refill it with fresh, high-quality gas.
- Add a fuel stabilizer to the gas to help extend its shelf life.
- Clean the mower thoroughly, including the blade, air filter, and undercarriage.
- Remove the spark plug and squirt a teaspoon of oil into the cylinder. Turn the flywheel slowly to distribute the oil.
- Re-install the spark plug.
- Store your mower in a cool, dry place, away from extreme temperatures and moisture.
Conclusion: Don’t Fuel Your Mower’s Winter Blues
In conclusion, it’s important to pay attention to the age of the gas in your mower when storing it for the winter (or any extended period of time).
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 your mower for the winter, make sure to follow the tips above to help extend the shelf life of the gas.
So, don’t fuel your mower’s winter blues – keep that gas fresh, and you’ll have a smooth, hassle-free winter. Happy mowing (or shoveling)!