Preparing Your Mower for the Spring: Turn Snowy Days into Mower Maintenance Gold

With Storm Goretti battering Yorkshire with heavy snow and more wintry weather forecast through this weekend, now's the perfect time to head into your garage or shed. Whilst yellow warnings for snow and ice stretch into next week, you can make this enforced indoor time count by getting your lawn mower properly prepared for spring.

Every Yorkshire homeowner who's watched their neighbour's lawn emerge from winter looking pristine knows the secret: it's not just about the treatments—it's about proper equipment preparation.

Why Snow Days are Mower Prep Gold Days

That unused space in your garage suddenly becomes prime real estate when you can't venture outside. With forecasts showing up to 10cm more snow possible this weekend Source, you've got the perfect excuse to tackle those maintenance jobs you've been putting off.

Your mower's been sitting there since November. Potentially with old fuel, dirty filters, and blunt blades. Spring will arrive faster than you think—and when it does, you want to be ready for that first crucial cut.

Start with the Engine—Your Mower's Heart

Check the spark plug first. Remove it and inspect for black deposits or worn electrodes. A new plug costs £3-5 and can transform your mower's starting performance. Gap it correctly using a feeler gauge—typically 0.6-0.8mm for most mowers.

Engine oil tells a story. If it's black or thick like treacle, it needs changing. Fresh oil protects your engine during those long summer cutting sessions ahead. Use SAE 30 for most mowers, or check your manual.

Old fuel is your enemy. If petrol's been sitting since last autumn, drain it completely. Stale fuel causes poor starting, rough running, and carburetor problems that cost £60-80 to fix professionally.

Blade Maintenance—The Difference Between Cutting and Tearing

Here's what separates ordinary lawns from exceptional ones: blade sharpness.

Blunt blades don't cut grass—they tear it. This creates brown, frayed tips that make your lawn look tired even after cutting. Sharp blades give clean cuts that heal quickly, creating that crisp, professional finish.

Remove the blade safely. Disconnect the spark plug first, then tip the mower to access the blade bolt. Use a socket wrench to remove it, keeping the blade steady with a block of wood.

The coin test works brilliantly. A properly sharpened blade should slice through paper cleanly. If it tears or won't cut, it needs attention. You can sharpen it yourself with a file or take it to your local mower shop—usually £8-12 for professional sharpening.

Balance matters too. An unbalanced blade creates vibration that damages your mower and gives an uneven cut.

Air Filter—Let Your Engine Breathe

A dirty air filter chokes your engine, reducing power and increasing fuel consumption. Remove the air filter cover and inspect the element.

Paper filters should be replaced if they're grey or clogged—usually £5-8. Foam filters can be washed in warm, soapy water, squeezed dry, and lightly oiled before reinstalling.

Check Your Cutting Deck

Clear all debris from under the cutting deck. Dried grass clippings trap moisture and cause rust. Use a putty knife to scrape stubborn deposits, then treat any rust spots with rust converter.

Inspect the deck shell for cracks or impact damage. Small dents affect airflow and cutting performance. Larger damage needs professional repair before spring arrives.

Test your height adjustment system. All wheels should adjust smoothly and hold their position securely. Clean and lubricate adjustment points with light oil.

Essential Fluid Checks

Engine oil level and condition - top up or change as needed Hydraulic fluid (for self-propelled models) - check reservoir and look for leaks Grease points - chassis, wheel bearings, and throttle cables benefit from fresh grease

Fuel System Preparation

Install fresh fuel once you've finished maintenance. Add fuel stabiliser if your mower will sit for more than 30 days—it prevents gum formation and carburetor problems.

Check fuel lines for cracks or soft spots. Replace any suspect lines before spring arrives.

Test Everything Before Spring

Pull the starter cord to ensure smooth operation. If it binds or won't return properly, the recoil spring may need attention.

Check all controls work smoothly—throttle, choke, blade engagement, and drive controls should operate without binding.

Verify safety systems work properly. The blade should stop when you release the operator presence control.

Yorkshire Weather Reality Check

With this winter's extreme weather patterns—we've already seen record-breaking conditions Source—your lawn will need extra attention when spring arrives. A well-maintained mower ensures you can respond quickly when growing conditions improve.

Storage Until Spring

Once your maintenance is complete, don't start the engine repeatedly "just to check." This wastes fuel and can introduce moisture into the system.

Store your mower in a dry area, ideally off concrete floors. A wooden pallet prevents moisture transfer and reduces corrosion risk.

Professional Backup Plan

If you discover problems beyond basic maintenance—carburetor issues, compression problems, or electrical faults—now's the time to book professional service. Mower repair shops are quieter in winter, meaning faster turnaround and better availability for spring.

The Spring Advantage

When your neighbours are struggling with mowers that won't start, won't cut properly, or need emergency repairs during peak cutting season, you'll be confidently maintaining Yorkshire's smartest lawn.

That pristine finish that makes visitors ask "Who does your lawn?" starts with equipment that's properly prepared. Use these snowy days wisely—your future self will thank you when spring arrives and your mower starts first pull, cuts cleanly, and runs smoothly all season long.

The snow will melt. Your lawn will grow. But the advantage you gain from proper mower preparation lasts all summer.

Need help with professional lawn treatments once your mower's ready? Contact Lawn Force on 01943 461694 (Ilkley) or 01765 699753 (Ripon) for specialist lawn care that complements your perfectly maintained equipment.