How to Change Oil in Your Lawn Mower Properly

Expert Tips from a Toronto Landscape Equipment Repair Pro

You change the oil in your car at the recommended intervals, and you take care to maintain it throughout the year. Every time you head outdoors to take care of your lawn, what do you do to maintain your lawn mower? Surprisingly, many of us are guilty of not properly caring for our lawnmower. In fact, many owners do not realize that their lawnmower requires frequent oil changes just like a vehicle.

Most lawn mowers need a change every 20 to 50 hours of operation. However, you should refer to your owner’s manual to see what the recommended change time is and take care of your mower’s insides. Regardless of the recommended interval, you should aim for it annually to avoid any build-up inside the engine.

How to Change Oil in Lawn Mowers – Advice for Toronto-Area Residents

Changing the oil in your lawn mower is relatively straightforward. In fact, it should only take a couple of minutes. Before you do anything, check the oil level. You should make a habit of checking your oil level and quality every time you use it.

Once you are ready to change out the oil, follow these simple steps:

1. Warm the Engine: Do not change the oil of your lawn mower without warming it up first. Warming the engine ensures better flow of the oil, which will make it easier to remove the old oil. To warm it, simply turn it on and let it run for a few minutes. To be productive, mow the lawn and then change it afterward.
2. Clean Around the Filling Area: Clean around the crankcase by using a clean cloth. Wipe around the oil cap, then remove the cap.
3. Inspect Your Oil: Next, check the oil. If your unit does not have a dipstick, dab the oil with the clean rag and see if the oil is dirty.
4. Disconnect and Drain: Next, you want to disconnect the spark plug lead on your engine and locate your oil drain plug. This is typically below your unit’s deck. Drain the oil using a removal kit or oil pan underneath.
5. Change the Filter: Just like in your vehicle, you should change out the filter of your lawn mower while changing the oil. You should replace your filter once each season.
6. Add Oil and Dispose of the Old: Now you are ready to add the new oil. Fill only to the capacity recommended by your owner’s manual, and never overfill the oil tank. Run your engine while idle to look for any leaks. Lastly, dispose of your oil in accordance with local rules for fluid waste disposal.

Bring Your Lawn Mower to the Landscape Equipment Repair Experts at Hitch City

If you suspect that your lawnmower needs a repair, or an oil change did not correct the issues, bring your lawn mower into the team at Hitch City. Our landscape professionals can help diagnose and repair your lawn mower, and we also offer routine maintenance for when you do not have time to do it yourself. You can contact us today at a location near you to schedule your repair appointment.

Ready to replace your existing lawn mower? Check out the top notch brands we have in store for you in Scarborough, Barrie, and Mississauga.