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When Should I Use Choke on My Lawn Mower?

By Jeff Mercer · Updated September 27, 2026 · 3 min read
When Should I Use Choke on My Lawn Mower?
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Hey there, it’s your friendly neighborhood lawn enthusiast, Jeff, here to talk about something we’ve all struggled with at some point or another – the choke on our lawn mowers.

Still stuck? The free mower troubleshooter lists every check the makers print for it, cheapest first.

I remember the first time I tried to start my lawn mower. I yanked on that cord with all my might, but it just wouldn’t start. I was getting frustrated and ready to give up when my neighbor, a seasoned lawn mower expert, came over and asked if I had tried using the choke.

I had no idea what the choke was or what it did, but I figured it couldn’t hurt to try. And lo and behold, it worked! The mower started up on the first try. I was so relieved and grateful to my neighbor for showing me the way.

Since then, I’ve learned a thing or two about when to use the choke on a lawn mower, and I’m here to share that knowledge with you.

What is the Choke on a Lawn Mower?

For those who might not be familiar, the choke on a lawn mower is a mechanism that restricts the flow of air into the carburetor.

This allows the engine to get more fuel, making it easier to start.

When to Use the Choke

So, when should you use the choke on your lawn mower? Here are a few scenarios:

  1. When starting a cold engine: If you’re starting a lawn mower that hasn’t been used in a while, it’s a good idea to use the choke. This will help get the engine going and make it easier to start.
  2. When starting a lawn mower that’s been flooded: If you’ve flooded the engine (i.e. put too much fuel into it), you’ll want to use the choke to help clear out the excess fuel and get the engine running again.
  3. When mowing in cold weather: If you’re mowing in cold weather, it might be a good idea to use the choke to help the engine warm up. Just be sure to turn off the choke once the engine is warmed up and running smoothly.

What is the Purpose of a Choke on a Lawn Mower?

The purpose of the choke on a lawn mower is to restrict the flow of air into the carburetor. This allows the engine to get more fuel, making it easier to start.

The choke is typically used when starting a cold engine or when starting a lawn mower that has been flooded.

It can also be used in cold weather to help the engine warm up. However, it’s important to turn off the choke once the engine is running smoothly to avoid flooding the engine or causing damage.

FAQ

Is it bad to leave the choke on for too long?

Yes, it’s generally not a good idea to leave the choke on for too long. If you leave the choke on for an extended period of time, it can cause the engine to flood, which can be damaging. It’s best to use the choke only when starting the mower and then turn it off once the engine is running smoothly.

What if my lawn mower doesn’t have a choke?

Not all lawn mowers have a choke. If your lawn mower doesn’t have a choke, you can try starting it with the throttle in a higher position. This can help the engine get more fuel and make it easier to start.

The Final Word

So, there you have it. The choke on a lawn mower is a handy tool that can help make starting your mower easier, especially in certain situations. Just be sure to use it wisely and turn it off once the engine is running smoothly. Happy mowing!

 

Before you start the repairI'm a homeowner who does his own small-engine work, not a certified technician. Before any repair, pull the spark plug wire and let the engine cool. Anything involving blades under a raised machine, fuel system leaks or transmission internals — if you're not sure, have a dealer or small-engine shop look at it.
Jeff Mercer

Written by

Jeff Mercer

Hi, I'm Jeff. I look after about an acre of lawn, a riding mower, a zero-turn, a push mower that is older than some of my neighbours' cars, and a snowblower that only ever breaks the night before a storm. Doing my own repairs started as a way to save on dealer labour and turned into the part of yard work I actually enjoy.

GardenTooly is where I answer the questions people type into a search bar while standing next to a machine that won't behave: why the deck shakes, why the mower dies when it warms up, whether a bent blade shaft can be straightened, what the difference between two transmissions really means for you, and which fuel additive is worth the shelf space.

I'm not a certified small-engine technician and I don't sell equipment. Where I've done a job myself, I say so. Where an answer comes from the owner's manual, a service bulletin or a mechanic who knows more than me, I say that instead — and anything involving blades, fuel, jacked-up machines or a hydrostatic transmission gets a plain "take it to a shop" when that's the right call.

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