2. Address the Power Source
For a Gas-Powered Mower: Remove or Stabilize the Fuel
Simply leaving fuel in the tank all winter can wreak havoc on your mower’s engine. Water from condensation can combine with ethanol in the gas, causing clogs, corrosion, and other problems throughout the fuel system. Come springtime, you could be in for a professional carburetor cleaning to the tune of $75 to $100.
Remove the fuel if you keep your mower in the basement during the winter. Storing it inside could be a fire hazard. If there’s only a little fuel left after the last use of the season, your best bet is to run the tank dry. If the tank is full or nearly full, disconnect the fuel line at the carburetor and drain the remaining gas into a gasoline storage container. (You can add the leftover fuel to your car.)
Stabilize the fuel if you store your mower in a garage or a shed. You can do so by filling the tank with gas and adding stabilizer—or even better, using prepackaged gas that has stabilizer already added. For good measure, run the mower for a few minutes so that the stabilized fuel can work its way through the carburetor.
For an Electric Mower: Remove the Battery
Remove the battery or batteries and store them inside your home to minimize temperature fluctuation. Extreme temperatures can significantly shorten the lifespan of battery cells and cause them to fail prematurely. Most batteries fare best when stored between 40° F and 80° F. (Check the owner’s manual for the recommended range for your specific mower.)
