DIY Your Home

Start Your Engines: How to Get Your Lawn Mower Ready for Summer

By The MH Group

As soon as the weather warms up and the grass starts growing like it means it, it’s time to pull out the lawn mower. But before you charge into your first cut of the season, don’t just yank the cord and hope for the best. A little prep now can save you from breakdowns, patchy lawns, and some serious frustration later. Here’s how to get your mower back in shape and ready to roll.

1. Clear Off the Cobwebs

Start by giving your mower a good once-over. Wipe off dust scrape off old clippings stuck under the deck, and check for any signs of damage. Then, look underneath (with the mower off and the spark plug disconnected) and make sure nothing’s bent, rusted, or cracked.

2. Change the Oil

If you didn’t change the oil before storing it last fall, do it now. Old oil can gum up the engine and shorten its life. Check your owner’s manual to see what kind of oil your mower takes, drain the old stuff, and pour in the fresh.

3. Swap the Air Filter

A clean air filter helps your engine breathe. A dirty one chokes performance and burns more fuel. They’re cheap and easy to replace—pop out the old one and slide in the new one.

4. Sharpen the Blade

A dull blade tears grass instead of cutting it, which weakens your lawn and turns it brown. You can sharpen the blade yourself with a file or take it to a local shop. Either way, make sure it's balanced before you put it back on.

5. Check the Spark Plug

Spark plugs are small but mighty. If it’s black, corroded, or cracked, replace it. They’re inexpensive and can make a big difference in how easily your mower starts and runs.

6. Fill Up with Fresh Gas

Gas goes bad if it sits too long. Drain any leftover fuel from last year and start fresh. If you want to be extra careful, add a fuel stabilizer to keep it from going stale.

7. Check the Tires

If your mower has tires, check the pressure and look for cracks or signs of wear. Uneven tires lead to uneven cuts.

8. Test Run

Once you’ve gone through the basics, reconnect the spark plug, top it off with fuel, and give it a pull. Let it run for a few minutes to make sure everything sounds good. Listen for rattles or weird noises—those are early warning signs. Prepping your mower isn’t complicated, but it makes a world of difference. A clean, tuned-up machine cuts better, runs longer, and saves you headaches all summer. Spend an hour getting it right, and you’ll be ready for that fresh-cut grass smell without any mid-mow surprises. Happy mowing!
Buying or Selling your home in Valley Village, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, Calabasas or the greater Los Angeles area? Contact The Michelle Hirsch Group’s team of top real estate agents for all your Real Estate and Investment Property needs at 818-293-8460 or visit the website at https://MichelleHirsch.com
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