Don't Let Winter Ruin Your Ride

As the crisp autumn air sets in and the last of the leaves fall, you’ve likely put your lawnmower away for the season. But simply parking it in the garage isn’t enough to ensure it’s ready for action next spring. Winterizing your lawnmower is a crucial step that can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches when the first warm day arrives.

Here at GSC Small Engines, we know how much you depend on your equipment. That’s why we’re here to explain why winterizing your lawnmower is so important and what key steps you should take.

Why Bother with Winterization?

Think of winterizing as a tune-up for its long winter’s nap. Here are the top reasons why it’s a non-negotiable task:

• Preventing Fuel System Problems: The biggest culprit of springtime troubles is old gasoline. When left in the fuel tank and carburetor over the winter, gas can break down and form gummy deposits. These deposits can clog fuel lines, jets, and filters, leading to a mower that won’t start or runs poorly. A fuel stabilizer prevents this breakdown, keeping the fuel system clean and ready to go.

• Protecting the Engine: Your engine needs more than just a clean fuel system. Changing the oil and filter before storage is a best practice. Used oil contains contaminants and acids that can corrode internal engine components over a long period of inactivity. Fresh oil provides a clean, protective coat, ensuring your engine’s longevity.

• Maintaining the Cutting Deck and Blades: A clean deck is a happy deck. Leftover grass clippings can trap moisture, leading to rust and corrosion on the underside of your mower. Removing this debris and cleaning the deck prevents damage. Sharpening the blades now means they’ll be ready for a perfect cut as soon as the grass starts growing, saving you a chore in the spring.

• Preserving the Battery: If your mower has an electric start, its battery needs attention. A battery left on its own all winter can lose its charge and may not have enough power to start the engine in the spring. Disconnecting it and storing it in a cool, dry place or connecting it to a trickle charger ensures it stays in top condition.

• Saving Time and Money in the Spring: Imagine this: the sun is shining, your grass is getting long, and you’re ready to mow. You pull out your mower, and… nothing. You spend the first beautiful day of spring troubleshooting a clogged carburetor or a dead battery. By winterizing your mower now, you’re investing a little time to save yourself from potential repair costs and wasted time later.

What Should You Do?

Winterizing your lawnmower isn’t a complex process, but it requires attention to detail. Here’s a quick checklist of the key steps:

• Fuel System: Either run the engine until it’s out of gas or use a fuel stabilizer.
• Engine Oil: Change the oil and oil filter.
• Spark Plug: Remove the old spark plug and replace it with a new one. This is also a good time to check the cylinder.
• Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the mower deck and remove all grass clippings and debris.
• Blade Care: Remove and sharpen the blades.
• Battery: Disconnect and store the battery, or use a trickle charger.
• Storage: Store the mower in a dry, covered area.

Let Us Handle It

Don’t want to get your hands dirty? That’s what we’re here for! At Gibson Service Company, we offer professional winterization services to get your lawnmower ready for its long winter’s rest. Our expert technicians will perform a comprehensive service, ensuring your equipment is protected and prepared to perform flawlessly come spring.

Schedule your winterization service today! Give us a call at (785) 380-7731 or visit us at Our Website to learn more.

Invest in the health of your equipment now, and you’ll be rewarded with a reliable, ready-to-go mower when you need it most.