The end of mowing season sneaks up like that last mosquito in September: you think you’re done, but not just yet. And while the grass might stop growing, your lawn mower isn’t off the hook yet. A few hours of prep now determines whether your first spring mow is smooth or spent pulling on a starter cord until your shoulder begs for mercy.

Gas-powered machines take the brunt of summer abuse, and mechanics explained that ignoring winter prep is a surefire way to end up with a dead engine come March.

The good news is that none of this is very complicated.

Start with fuel

Both guides from This Old House and Milorganite stressed that untreated gasoline is public enemy number one. It goes stale in any lawn mower after about a month, leaving behind gummy residue that clogs carburetors and corrodes internals.

One method is to add a stabilizer, run the mower to circulate it, siphon out the extra, and then burn off whatever’s left.

Another strategy recommended by lawn care pros is to keep the tank full with stabilized fuel, start the mower every 30 days, and let it run a few minutes. Either way, stabilizer is the insurance policy.

Next up is spark plug safety

First, disconnect it before doing anything else. No one needs an accidental kick-start. Once it’s out of the lawn mower, check for oily buildup or carbon deposits.

Replace it if it looks rough, or swap it for a new one regardless. It’s really cheap to do.

Lawn mower blades deserve attention too

Remove them carefully with gloves, sharpen them yourself with a grinder (see below), or just let the hardware store handle it.

A sharp blade means cleaner cuts and less stress on the engine. While you’re down there, scrape off the undercarriage. That packed grass is more than ugly; it interferes with airflow and mulching.

Oil changes are non-negotiable for 4-cycle lawn mowers

Drain it with the carburetor facing up, catch it in a pan, and recycle it properly. Refill with fresh SAE 30.

While you’re at it, check the air filter

Paper filters get replaced; sponge filters can be washed, dried, and re-oiled.

A couple of final tasks

Clear cooling fins with a screwdriver or stick. Grease points on wheels are easy to overlook but worth hitting with fresh grease now.

Electric mowers simplify the process

No fuel stabilizer, no oil changes, no spark plug drama. Just clean the deck, store the battery indoors where it won’t freeze, and you’re done.

Whether your mower runs on gas or battery, winterizing it means fewer headaches in spring and a longer life overall. Ignore it, and you’ll eventually be shopping for a new one instead of cutting grass.