Keeping your lawnmower working great is essential in avoiding costly repair work. One of the most effective ways to improve the performance of your lawnmower is to service it on a regular basis. Typically, it is a good idea to tune up your lawnmower every three months during the mowing season if you have an average size lawn. However, it is important to tune-up your lawnmower every month if you have a large lawn for the best results.

Here are a few ways you can enhance the performance of your lawnmower.

1. Replace the Air Filter

One of the easiest ways to keep your lawnmower working great is to replace your air filter. A dirty air filter on your lawnmower causes your engine to burn more fuel and not work as efficiently. Always changing your air filter each spring is a great way to stay proactive and avoid potential problems.

2. Drain Old Fuel

A common mistake many people make is not draining old fuel once the mowing season is over. Over time, old fuel will destabilize and cause issues with the carburetor. Problems with your carburetor will cause your engine to stop working and lead to significant repair costs.

3. Sharpen or Replace Old Blades

Keeping your lawn mower blades sharp allows you to mow your lawn much easier without any skipped areas. A good idea is to replace your lawn mower blades each year for the best results. Most blades will last between 20 and 25 hours before they need to be sharpened, while the overall lifetime of these blades is between 100 and 200 hours.

4. Change the Oil

Changing the oil in your lawnmower each year is critical in helping your engine work great. Failure to change the oil in your lawnmower causes the engine to get clogged with carbon sludge. Eventually, this will cause the engine to wear out much sooner than normal due to the lack of maintenance.

Taking care of your lawnmower is crucial in extending its lifespan and making sure that it keeps running at an optimal level. Staying proactive by scheduling tune-ups for your lawnmower is a great way to save you a lot of time and stress. A lawnmower is an important investment, as keeping it well maintained is a great way to ensure it will last for many years.

The mowing season is coming to an end and now it's the time to prepare your mower for winter to ensure it picks up after the winter is over. Everybody knows it's tempting to store the machine right away and worry after the season is over. But engaging in such activity will only make it hard for the mower to get up and running when the garden needs some trimming. Below are steps to winterize your lawnmower to get it ready for winter storage. 

Drain or Stabilize the Fuel

You have to drain the mower's fuel at the end of a long season. This is the most significant step to ensure that your mower is operational at the start of the spring. 

The first step involves draining or siphoning the gas tank dry. If the fuel has gasoline preservative, you can opt to run the gas in your snow blower or save it for the next season. However, if the gas has no preservatives added, you must ensure that you use it as soon as possible. 

Allowing the fuel to sit over the season will result in separating ethanol and degrading its chemical components. Alcohol present in the fuel dissolves rubber and plastic parts in the fuel system. Besides that, it appeals to moisture, which destroys other metal parts. 

The engine might also reduce its performance level due to the degraded chemical components and separated ethanol. After draining the fuel tank, ensure that you run the mower dry to burn the remaining fuel gas. 

Clean and Sharpen the Blade

Dull blades come with poor performance. Sharpening your blade once a year will ensure that you acquire a clean and quick cut.

After replacing and cleaning the blades, always ensure that you balance them before reinstalling them. Always follow your manufacturer's guide on how to sharpen lawn mower blades. 

Change the Oil

Drain your lawn mower's old oil, especially if it is contaminated oil and dark black. Before changing the oil, consult with your manufacturer for the oil type, direction and the amount. Ensure that you fill the oil to the line indicated on the model.

Changing the oil will ensure that your machine runs smoothly during the spring. You will also improve the machine's longevity by reducing the wear and tear of the machine's component. 

Remove the Battery

If you want to winterize a battery or riding mower, removing its battery will assist in persevering its power. Remove the cables beginning with the negative cord first. Then, wipe off the battery using a clean cloth to remove dust and dirt. 

Using a metal brush or a battery cleaner, clean the battery terminals. Store the battery in a safe place, safe from gas and oil cans, furnace or a heater. Remember always to ensure that you run the battery frequently to ensure that it retains charge. 

Clean the Undercarriage

Like other machines, your lawnmower will essentially get dirty after a long summer. Therefore, before you store it during winter, ensure that it is clean of grime and dirt. Ensure that you remove excess sticks, leaves, branches and grass that are on the mower.