Your lawn mower works hard during the summer. Doesn't it deserve a little TLC during the winter? After you've used the lawn mower for the last time of the season, an hour of maintenance work can help ensure that when springtime rolls around, that mower cranks on the first try.

Lawn Mower Maintenance Checklist

Ready to get a jump on the spring mowing season? When the leaves of autumn cover the ground, it's time to clean that lawn mower and prepare it for winter storage.

1. Drain the gas tank. Gas sitting in the tank can become stale and invite rust. Carefully siphon the excess gas into a gas can, then start the mower several times, until it won't crank anymore. This ensures the fuel lines are completely empty. You can use the gas in your vehicle if there has been no oil added to it.
2. Disconnect the spark plug to prevent accidental starts. The next steps are going to include working with the blade and undercarriage, so disconnecting the spark plug might be the most important step of all.
3. Unscrew the bolts that hold the blade in place. Using heavy-duty gloves, pull the blade off the mower. Clean it well and give it a thorough sharpening.
4. Place a small pan on the ground, set the mower on its side with the carburetor facing up, and remove the oil reservoir plug. Tilt the mower down over the pan until the oil begins to drain. Don't forget to replace the reservoir plug when you're done--you will put fresh oil in the mower in a few minutes.
5. Clean the undercarriage of the mower with a strong putty knife or stiff brush. Scrape off the dirt and grass that has collected over the course of the season. Put some muscle into it--the layer of gunk can get pretty thick over the span of a summer.
6. Reattach the blade. Make the bolt as tight as you can to prevent problems with wobbling or uneven cutting during springtime lawn care.
7. Replace the oil with the appropriate blend for your particular mower. This is typically an SAE 30 oil, but check your lawn mower to be certain. Don't forget to recycle the oil when your maintenance is done.
8. Clean or change the air filter, then replace the spark plug. Do a final cleaning of all the air and cooling vents on the mower with a small brush.

Store your lawn mower in a shed or garage, out of the harsh winter elements. Your maintenance and care during late autumn will ensure a lawn mower that roars to life in early spring.