Power equipment that runs on gasoline such as mowers, trimmers, blowers, tillers, etc. should all be winterized. Winterizing your outdoor power equipment can save you from a huge headache the following season.
Winter temperatures cause gasoline to gum and varnish in the combustion chamber and carburetor. This in turn causes faulty engine starts or worse yet, the engine doesn’t start at all. If you can’t get your engine to start then you might have to bring in a professional and that’s against the DIY rulebook.
How To Winterize Power Equipment?
Winterizing your motors is really a very simple task and should only take about half an afternoon. First, estimate the total amount of gasoline that you will need to treat. Check inside each engine’s tank to see how much gas is left in it. Any partially filled gas cans that are stored for the season should also be treated.
Second, head out to your local hardware store, power equipment supplier, or home center and pick up a bottle of fuel stabilizer. You will need approximately one ounce of treatment for every two and a half gallons of gasoline. STA-BIL is one of the most popular brands and each bottle has ounces marked on its side for easy measuring.
Next, add the appropriate amount of fuel stabilizer to each tank. And finally and most importantly, run each engine for 5 minutes to ensure the whole fuel system has been treated. That’s all there is to it. You are now protected against engine fuel gumming and any unnecessary aggravation come springtime.
How To Winterize A Lawn Mower
Step 1: Drain the gas tank
This is probably the most important step in winterizing your lawn mower. Gasoline can go bad over time, and if you leave it in the tank all winter, it could damage your engine come spring. So be sure to empty out the tank before you put your mower away for the season.
Step 2: Take out the spark plug
This will prevent any potential accidents while you’re working on your mower. Trust us, you don’t want to accidentally start it up while you’re in the middle of doing maintenance!
Step 3: Remove the mover’s blade
Be careful when you do this—the blade is sharp and can be dangerous. Once the blade is off, clean it with soapy water and dry it thoroughly before storing it away for the winter.
Step 4: Get rid of the oil
Old, dirty oil can do serious damage to your engine, so it’s important to change it regularly. If you drained the oil before summer, you can skip this step. Otherwise, be sure to drain and replace the oil before putting your mower away for winter.
Step 5: Remove dirt and debris from the undercarriage
This is especially important if you have a self-propelled mower, as dirt and grass can build up under there and cause problems come springtime. Simply spray it down with a hose and brush away any debris that’s accumulated.
Step 6: Replace the air filter
A clean air filter is essential for keeping your engine running smoothly. If you didn’t change it before summer, be sure to do so now. And if you don’t know how to consult your owner’s manual—it’s usually a pretty easy process.
Step 7: Change the spark plug
A worn-out spark plug can make starting your mower next year a real pain, so it’s best to replace it now while you’re thinking about it. Again, consult your owner’s manual if you’re not sure how to do this—it’s usually a straightforward process.
Step 8: Stow gasoline safely
If you have any gasoline or other combustible liquids left over from the summer, be sure to store them safely until next year. We recommend keeping them in a sealed container in a cool, dark place like a garage or shed—somewhere where kids or pets can’t get at them. And that’s it!
How To Store A Snowblower
Taking the time now to store your snowblower will save you a lot of headaches (not to mention money) come wintertime. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to store a snowblower so you can rest easy knowing that come snowfall, you’ll be prepared.
- Remove the fuel from the tank. This is an important step because gas can go bad over time and will clog up your snowblower’s engine if you don’t drain it. If you can’t drain the fuel, add a fuel stabilizer to it.
- Seal the engine. This will help protect your engine from rust and corrosion.
- Clean it. Be sure to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated over the course of the summer.
- Protect the snowblower by putting a cover on it. This will help protect your snowblower from the elements and keep it looking new for years to come.
- Keep it in a dry place during the off-season. A garage or shed is ideal. If you don’t have either of those, consider investing in a storage container specifically designed for outdoor power equipment.