You should tune up your lawn mower for spring by replacing the air filter, fuel filter, spark plug, and engine oil, sharpening or replacing the blade, checking tire pressure, and cleaning the undercarriage to keep it running like new. Regular maintenance not only improves engine performance but also extends the life of the mower, reduces fuel consumption, and ensures a cleaner, safer cut for your lawn. By using a manufacturer-recommended tune-up kit and performing these seasonal checks, you’ll prevent breakdowns, improve efficiency, and enjoy a smoother mowing season from the very first cut.
Here’s how to tune-up your lawn mower like a pro:
1. Purchase a tune-up kit. A tune-up kit ensures you’re using the correct maintenance parts for your particular model’s engine as recommended by the lawn mower manufacturer. Find the kit for your engine: RepairClinic.com/tune-up.
(Editor’s note: Check out RepairClinic’s The Great Spring Tune-up Kit Sale. All kits are on sale through May 31, 2014.)
2. Install a clean air filter. The air filter has the important job of preventing dirt, dust and debris from entering the carburetor and engine. It should be cleaned or changed every 25 hours or once per mowing season. Pleated, paper air filters must be replaced. Foam air filters can be cleaned with hot water and a small amount of detergent and then left to air dry before being saturated with engine oil and reinstalled.
3. Use a clean fuel filter. Fuel filters should be replaced; they cannot be cleaned. Read your owner’s manual for the proper way to install a fuel filter, as it varies by model.
4. Check and replace the oil. Engine oil should be replaced every 25 hours of use or at least once per season. Check this frequently (approximately every eight hours of use). The oil should be golden or amber in color. As it ages, it darkens. It’s best to check your mower owner’s manual for the recommended way to handle oil replacement. Most small engine repair shops and auto parts stores have a free recycling program for used oil.
5. Replace the spark plug. A spark plug should be replaced at least one per season. Over time, a spark plug’s performance will degrade due to carbon build-up and a weakened electrode. This dramatically increases emissions, reduces engine performance and requires the engine to use more fuel. Spark plugs are easy to replace and they are pre-gapped. It’s important to use only the engine manufacturer’s recommended spark plug, as using an alternative model can be damaging.
6. Check the blade. A sharp blade is important to a proper cut. Dull blades tear the grass, rather than cut cleanly. Regularly check mower blades for dullness and damage. A blade should be sharpened every season and replaced every one to three years, depending on usage. If bends, dents and other damage to the blade are found, it should be replaced right away. Such damage can cause dangerous accidents in operation. Always use the manufacturer’s recommended blade. A universal blade is not recommended, due to safety issues.
Related information: Overview about lawn mower blade types
7. Check tire pressure. Periodically, use a tire pressure gauge to ensure consistent tire pressure. Tires with varying pressure will result in uneven or poor cutting.
8. Clean the undercarriage. After every use, use a hose to remove grass clippings and debris build up in the undercarriage. Be sure to turn off the mower and disconnect the spark plug first.
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