Now that summer has arrived, many home and property owners are working hard to keep their yards well-trimmed. Having a lawn mower that functions well is essential for this job. A little routine maintenance will make your machine run reliably and increase its life span. Consider these easy-to-follow tips to boost your mower’s performance.

Maintain Your Lawn Mower With These 5 Tips

1. Keep Blades Sharp

A dull blade struggles to cut grass, which is why it’s important to sharpen yours regularly. Doing so will ensure a tidier, more even cut, and will cause you less frustration every time you mow. You’ll especially want to sharpen your blade just before mowing season begins, since it may be blunt from last year.

2. Choose Gas Carefully

Be careful about the type of gas you put in your mower’s tank. Fresh gas provides safer performance than older gas that has sat for a while, as the older fuel may have absorbed moisture, lost octane, or acquired deposits of gummy residue that will impair the motor’s functions. You should also be careful to use the correct type of gasoline. Fuel intended for other motor-powered devices, such as weed-whackers, may be too lean or rich for the motor.

3. Replace Spark Plugs

Dirty or worn-out spark plugs can prevent a motor from starting or cause it to shut down during use. To avoid this, change the spark plugs about once per year. Replacement is inexpensive and will keep you and your mower safe.

4. Change Oil as Needed

Just as cars do, mowers need to have their oil kept at appropriate levels. Oil helps lubricate the moving parts, preventing them from bumping together and causing damage. Over time, oil collects dirt and other gunk that can impair this function, which is why it should be changed at regular intervals. If your oil looks dark and clotted, you’ve waited too long to change it.

5. Clean the Mower Deck & Undercarriage

Mowing can be messy work, and grass, leaves, and other organic matter can get stuck to the deck and the underside of the carriage. When this buildup becomes excessive, you’ll want to scrape the debris away and clean the surfaces with soap and water to ensure that your mower functions at the best level possible.

To purchase lawn mowers, tractors, outdoor power equipment, and more around the Granville, OH, area, look no further than Fackler County Gardens. Their staff is professionally trained, which means they can help you find exactly what you need for any job. With over 100 years of providing quality service to their community, they’re invested in keeping clients satisfied. Learn more today by visiting them online or calling (740) 522-3128.