One of the most overlooked engines owned is the lawn mower. With infrequent usage and the basic nature of its engine, many owners forget that it also requires regular maintenance. While there will be times where you may need to take your lawn mower to a professional for servicing or repair, below is a list of maintenance items you can perform at home.

Start With the Owner's Manual

Often discarded, the owner's manual can provide important information, especially when it comes to specialist equipment like a lawn mower, about any specific maintenance that you need to undertake. If you have purchased a lawn mower brand new, don't throw it out - read it. If you have owned your mower for a while now and can't find yours, speak with the manufacturer to get another copy or search online.

Keep It Clean

Keeping a lawn mower clean isn't a top priority for most owners. However, it can significantly increase the lifespan of the mower itself, along with the individual parts. Each time that you finish mowing, give your mower's body and exposed parts a thorough clean. If you allow grass and dirt to accumulate, it can lead to corrosion and prevent the exposed parts from functioning optimally.

Oil Replacement

Just because there isn't a significant amount of oil running through your lawn mower's engine doesn't mean that it doesn't perform a crucial task. If you let the condition of your lawn mower's oil deteriorate, you will see unnecessary engine wear and a decrease in performance. Check your owner's manual for the advised change cycle. When topping up your lawn mower oil or performing a synthetic oil change, it's important to remember that the same oil you use when you perform a synthetic oil change for your car can not be used in your lawn mower. Instead of using the wrong product, speak with Synthetic Solutions at (919) 600-2749 and ask about the right AMSOIL motor oil suited to your lawn mower.

Wash or Replace Your Air Filter

Similar to your car, your lawn mower's engine also relies on clean air to operate. The air filter in your lawn mower, however, likely needs to be replaced more than your car given its proximity to grass clippings and debris. Around every 25 hours of operation, check the condition of your air filter. If it is clogged and looks like it will prevent clean air from entering your engine, you have two options.

• If your air filter contains paper fibers, then you will need to purchase a replacement air filter.
• If it contains a foam filter, you can remove it and wash it with a small amount of detergent and some hot water.

Spark Plug

One of the most common reasons a lawn mower has trouble starting, or won't start at all, is the condition of its spark plug. Around every 100 hours of operation, or at the beginning of each season, disconnect the lead, take out the spark plug, and check its condition. If it looks okay, give it a clean with some spray-on spark plug cleaner and a wire brush. If it's seen better days, it's best to replace it.

Sharpen Your Blades

Given that your lawn mower blades perform the most work and are responsible for the overall outcome of your job, it's important to pay them the attention they deserve. Before your start cutting, disconnect the spark plug, flip over your lawn mower, and thoroughly inspect the blades. If you notice that any of the blades are damaged, whether it be small dents or cracks, replace them before you use your lawn mower. If you would like to prevent damage from occurring to your lawn mower blades, take a walk around the area you will be tending to before you begin mowing and remove any items which could cause damage. Loose rocks and large sticks are the two most likely culprits.

Storage

How you store your lawn mower can impact its lifespan. Whether you are done with it for the day, or for the season, always store your lawn mower in a sheltered space and keep it elevated. If you have one available, use a breathable cover to protect it further.

Give Your Lawn Mower the Right Engine Oil With a Synthetic Oil Change in Raleigh

Just like your car, the performance you get out of your lawn mower depends on the quality of the products you put into it. If you check the condition of your lawn mower's engine lubricant and it's dirty or aged, give it a synthetic oil change. Again, it is important to remember that the motor oil your car uses is not interchangeable with your lawn mower. To get the right engine lubricant for your lawn mower, speak with Synthetic Solutions at (919) 600-2749.