Early Spring is the time for Lawnmower Care

By doing some mower maintenance early in the spring, you’ll be ready to go once the grass starts to grow. A well-tuned mower will be more efficient, saving you gas and muscle power. For simple upkeep, you can do it yourself – plus you’ll find everything you need at your Fred Meyer Garden Center. Here’s how to get that mower running its best:

Replace spark plug

By replacing a dirty and fouled spark plug, you allow the engine to run at its peak horsepower. You’ll appreciate this extra force, especially when the grass is thick and wet early in the season.

Clean or replace air filter

Your mower’s engine breathes by passing air through a filter. When this filter is clogged, the engine has to work harder. Once a season, remove and either replace or clean the air filter so your engine can breathe easy.

Change oil

Oil is the lifeblood of an engine. Just like with an automobile engine, changing the oil on a regular basis keeps your mower running clean and cool.

Use fresh gasoline

Gasoline degrades over time, so that tank that’s been sitting in your garage since last fall might make your mower run roughly or not start at all. Always use fresh gasoline, and if you have to store it for a long time, add a stabilizer to keep it from degrading.

Sharpen or replace blade