How to put the mower away and test the snow blower
To winterize a lawn mower after the last cut, add stabilizer and run the engine for 5 to 10 minutes, or drain the tank as your manual directs. Change the oil, clean the deck and store the mower somewhere dry. Then start the snow blower before the first storm, while a repair shop can still fit you in.
When to winterize a lawn mower and service the snow blower
Do this once a year, after your last mowing and before the first forecast of snow. Sources disagree on how fast plain gas spoils. Briggs & Stratton says it can degrade in as little as 30 days, and Bob Vila's guide says three to six months. Either way, it won't reliably last from fall to spring without treatment.
| Item | Fall job |
|---|---|
| Gas mower | Treat or drain fuel, change oil, clean deck, sharpen blade |
| Battery mower | Charge fully and store the battery indoors, between 40 and 80°F |
| Riding mower | Remove the battery and store it somewhere cool and dry, above 40°F |
| Snow blower | Service per the manual, then start it |
| Gas cans | Label with the date, add stabilizer, use oldest first |
Treated fuel lasts about 12 months, and up to 24 depending on the product.
What you need for lawn mower winter storage
- Fuel stabilizer
- Fresh oil of the type your manuals list
- A drain pan and sealed container for used oil
- A stiff nylon brush and a hose, or a damp cloth for electric models
- Light machine oil for wheels and levers
- Spare parts your snow blower's manual lists, such as a spark plug or shear pins
How to winterize a lawn mower, then start the snow blower
- Treat the fuel
Add stabilizer per the label, fill the tank and run the engine for 5 to 10 minutes so treated fuel reaches the carburetor. If your manual says to store it empty, drain the tank instead.
- Disconnect the spark plug
Do this before you touch the blade or tip the mower. The blade can start the engine if it's turned forcefully.
- Change the oil
Warm the engine slightly, drain the old oil and refill to the manual's spec. Two-stroke engines skip this.
- Clean and sharpen
Scrub the deck with a hose and brush, and sharpen or replace the blade. Tilt the mower on its side, not upside down, with the carburetor up.
- Store it dry
Oil the wheels and levers with light machine oil, then park the mower in a dry shed or garage.
- Bring out the snow blower
Change the oil and fit a new spark plug if due, using its manual. Fill with fresh, stabilized fuel and start it outdoors.
- Stock the fuel
Fill a labeled can with fresh gas and stabilizer, and write the date on it.
Snow blower maintenance warning signs
- A snow blower that won't start on fresh fuel. Get it to a shop now, before the first storm.
- Fuel that smells sour or looks dark. Don't use it. Take it to a hazardous waste collection.
- Worn, kinked or fraying throttle cables. Replace them.
- Leaks from a gas can or tank, or a fuel smell in the garage. Move the can outdoors, away from anything that can ignite it.
- A snow blower with bad vibration, or a loose auger. Stop and read the manual or see a dealer.
How to winterize a lawn mower and store gas safely
This is a DIY job. Follow your manuals for the details, especially whether to drain or stabilize fuel. Briggs & Stratton says to fill the tank with treated fuel to limit moisture and rust, and Bob Vila's guide accepts either approach. Snow blower models differ too. Some use shear pins and others, such as some Toro models, don't.
Handle gas with care. Use approved, leak-proof, labeled containers that hold less than 5 gallons. Bob Vila's guide says many fire codes cap home storage at 25 gallons, but your state and local rules set the real limit. Store cans tightly sealed and out of the sun, away from anything that can ignite vapors. That rules out a spot near a water heater or furnace, and a detached shed is better than an attached garage.
Before you clear a clogged snow blower chute, shut off the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop. Never use your hands.
Lawn mower winter storage questions
Should I drain the gas from my mower for winter?
Follow your manual. Many makers, including Briggs & Stratton, suggest a full tank of stabilized fuel to limit moisture, and draining is also accepted. The mistake is leaving untreated gas in the tank.
How long does gas last with stabilizer?
About 12 months, and up to 24 depending on the product. Check the bottle, and write the date on each can.
Where should I store a gas can in winter?
Keep it in an approved, sealed container, out of direct sun and away from anything that can ignite vapors. A detached shed is a better choice than an attached garage. Local fire rules set how much you can keep.
Sources: briggsandstratton.com, Bob Vila, toro.com
General guidance for U.S. homes, not professional advice. For gas, electrical and structural work, call a licensed pro.