It’s the perfect summer day. The sun is shining, just enough, but not too much. The lawnmower starts the first time. You walk with ease around your garden as your mower magically eats up your grass and leaves your lawn looking pristine. On your way back to the shed, the lawnmower cleans itself and is immediately ready for the next use. When it comes to mowing your lawn, this is what is called a dream.

Easy Tips for Keeping Your Lawnmower in Good Shape

The biggest indication that it’s a dream is where your lawnmower cleans itself on the way back to the shed. While they may not see a lot of use, lawn mowers require a good amount of basic maintenance to keep it in good shape, and that is just what this post is here to provide.

Give It a Thorough Clean

More than just for aesthetics, thoroughly cleaning your lawnmower after each use, and prior if necessary, can reduce corrosion and damage to the engine and body. It only takes a couple of minutes to hose it down and give it a decent wipe and can save you a lot of trouble down the track.

Check Your Air Filter

Like all engines, the level of performance largely depends on the right amount of clean air. Take yours out of its casing and, if you have a foam air filter, give it a good wash with some detergent. Keep in mind that this can only be done a limited number of times. If you notice it’s looking too old, replace it. If you are using a paper based air filter, unfortunately this can’t be cleaned and you will need to purchase a new one. When you are replacing either types of air filters, take the time to clean any casing and areas around it to prevent anything getting taken into the engine.

Keep Your Oil Clean

Without oil, your lawn mower isn’t going to be doing much at all. How often you change it depends on its usage. Your owner’s manual is likely to provide some advice, but if you see it looks dirty or low, replace it. To get the best performance out of your lawn mower engine, speak with Jim Ackney at (780) 476-0545 and learn about the benefits a synthetic oil change can have on your lawn mower. If you prefer, their online store has additional information about each available product.

Always Cut With Sharp Blades

Your blades do all of the leg work but often don’t get a second thought. After each mow, turn over your lawn mower and give the blades a thorough wipe down. Use a steel bristled brush to remove any stubborn debris. While you are cleaning, check the edge of each blade. If they are looking blunt, take them in for sharpening.

Change Your Spark Plug

Instead of just pulling the cord 15 times until it starts, replace the spark plug. While it only uses one, if it’s looking a bit old, chances are it’s the reason you aren’t seeing a first-pull start. Each time that you change your spark plug, get another replacement straight away so you’re not left with a mower that won’t start and a day set aside for mowing.

Cables and Levers

It’s easy for small piece of your lawn or the environment to become lodged in the connection points on your cables and levers. If left, it can eventually lead to corrosion. Every month or two, give your cables and levers a visual inspection and check for anything that could cause damage.

When You're Finished Using It

How you store your lawn mower can have a significant impact on how long it lasts and how well it performs. When you’re finished your mow and you have cleaned your lawn mower, store it in your shed, preferably with a good amount of air flow. At worst, keep it sheltered outside, just don’t store it outside in the rain.

Give Your Lawn Mower a Synthetic Oil Change in TARGET

If your engine isn’t performing as well as it should, it might be time to give your oil a change. Even though it doesn’t use a large amount, what it does use it crucial to its performance. To get the right motor oil for your next synthetic oil change, speak with Jim Ackney at (780) 476-0545 and ask about the AMSOIL range of engine lubricants. If you know what you need and are just looking for some extra information, their online store can answer your questions.