Winterize Your Riding Lawn Mower

A riding lawn mower is a serious investment, and taking a few simple steps before winter can help protect it for the long haul. Instead of letting it sit idle and deteriorate, follow this easy winterization guide to make sure it’s ready to go when spring rolls around.

5 Steps to Winterize Your Riding Lawn Mower

Don’t let winter catch you off guard; your riding mower needs a little TLC before going into hibernation. Follow these five simple steps to protect your equipment and make sure it starts strong come spring.

1. Drain and Replace Old Fluids

Before anything else, drain the fuel from the gas tank and the oil from the crankcase. Always recycle the oil and dispose of the old fuel safely. Once that’s done:

• Refill the crankcase with fresh oil (check your owner’s manual for the correct grade).
• Add pre-treated, stabilized fuel to the tank to prevent gumming and clogging over the winter.

Run the engine for a few minutes after refueling to cycle the stabilized gas through the system and carburetor.

2. Protect the Engine Internals

To prevent corrosion inside the engine:

• Remove the spark plug and pour about ½ ounce of oil into the cylinder.
• Replace the spark plug and remove the spark plug wire to avoid accidental starts.
• Slowly crank the engine a few times to distribute the oil inside the cylinder.

If you have a twin-cylinder engine, repeat this process for both cylinders.

3. Lubricate Moving Parts

Lubricate any metal-on-metal contact points like joints, cables, and bearings. This prevents rust and keeps everything moving smoothly when you bring it out of storage.

4. Maintain the Battery

Batteries don’t like the cold. Before storing your mower:

• Fully charge the battery.
• If storing for an extended period, disconnect or remove the battery completely.
• Store it in a warm, dry place, away from flammable items or sparks.
• For best results, recharge the battery every two months, or start the mower once a month for 20–30 minutes to circulate fuel and charge the battery.

5. Choose a Safe Storage Spot

Where you store your mower matters. Be sure to:

• Store it in a clean, dry space—like a garage or shed.
• Keep it away from heaters, pilot lights, or any other ignition sources.
• Avoid storing it near fertilizers or corrosive chemicals that can damage metal parts.

If your mower has pneumatic tires, park it on cardboard to keep them off cold concrete, which can cause flat spots or cracking over time.

Cold Weather Doesn’t Have to Be Hard on Your Mower

Taking a little time to properly winterize your riding lawn mower can save you frustration, repairs, and money in the spring. A clean, well-maintained mower lasts longer and performs better—so treat it right now, and it’ll be ready to roll when your lawn needs it most. And if you need help with additional lawn care services, such as fertilization or weed control, contact Grasshopper Lawns today!