Maintaining your lawn mower, whether its a push mower or a riding lawn mower, is crucial to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. One aspect of lawn mower maintenance that is often overlooked is changing the oil. It can be easy to forget, but neglecting to change your lawn mower oil can result in significant damage to your machine that may require costly repairs. So, how often should you change your lawn mower oil? In this blog, we will explore the answer to this question and provide tips for proper oil maintenance.
What is Lawn Mower Oil?
Lawn mower engine oil is specially formulated for small engines that power outdoor equipment such as lawn mowers, generators, and snow blowers. Most lawn mower oils are made from petroleum-based products blended with additives that offer protection from wear, corrosion, and deposits. Some new lawn mower motor oils are also known as synthetic oil, providing even more protection and better performance in extreme temperatures.
Why is Changing Lawn Mower Oil Important?
Lawn mower engines use oil as lubrication for the internal components, reducing friction and preventing damage. Over time, oil breaks down, becomes contaminated with dirt and debris, and loses its ability to protect the engine. Old, dirty oil can cause engine wear, reduce performance, leaks, and potentially harm your lawn mower permanently. Regular oil changes are necessary to keep your lawn mower functioning optimally and to prolong its lifespan.
How Often Should You Change Lawn Mower Oil?
The frequency of oil changes depends on the type of lawn mower, the climate, and how often it is used. A general guideline is to change lawn mower oil every 50 hours of use or at least once a year. However, you may need to change the oil more frequently if you use your lawn mower frequently or in harsh conditions.
If you frequently mow in heavy dust or dirty conditions, you should check the oil more often and replace it more frequently. Dirt and dust can mix with the oil and create contaminants that wear down the engine more quickly. Additionally, if you use your lawn mower in hot weather, consider changing the oil at shorter intervals as heat can speed up the break down of oil.
How to Change Lawn Mower Oil?
Changing the oil on your lawn mower is relatively easy and should not take much time. New lawn mower engine oil should be an amber color, whereas dark oil is a telltale sign of oil oil. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Turn off the motor and let it cool down.
Drain out the old oil into an oil-safe container such as a drain pan. Most lawn mowers have a drain plug on the underside that you can unscrew to drain the oil. Tilt the mower over a container to catch the oil.
Replace the mower's oil filter if applicable. Check your owner's manual to see if your model has an oil filter and how to replace it.
Refill with fresh oil. Consult your owner's manual to determine which type of oil to use and how much to add to prevent overfilling. Alternatively, you can check the model of your lawn mower online. Tip: use a funnel to avoid spills.
Check the lawn mower's oil level a couple of times. Make sure your lawn mower's oil level is correct by using a dipstick. If it's too low, add more oil. If it's too high, drain some out.
Run the mower for a few minutes to allow it to warm up. This will help distribute the new oil throughout the engine.
Dispose of old oil correctly. Check your local regulations on how to dispose of old oil safely.
Lawn Mower Engine Oil At Landscape Supply Waco
Maintaining your lawn mower's oil is critical to its performance and longevity. Neglecting to change your lawn mower oil can result in damage that can be costly to repair. As a general rule of thumb, you should change your oil after 50 hours of use or at least once a year. Regular oil changes keep your lawn mower in top condition, ensuring it runs smoothly and lasts for years to come. With proper maintenance, you can keep your lawn looking great without any hassles.
At Landscape Supply Waco, we offer a wide variety of lawnmower maintenance items such as motor oil, spark plugs, spark plug wire, air filters, spark plug wires, and mower blades. Whether you need your lawn mower's oil changed or you would like to pick up the oil to do it yourself, we have everything you need to get your mower ready for the beginning and the end of the mowing season.