10 Simple Steps to Keep Your Petrol Mower Running Like a Dream

 

There’s nothing quite like the sound of a petrol lawnmower firing into life on a bright morning, ready to tackle overgrown grass with purpose and precision. From compact push mowers to powerful riding models built for large estates, every machine deserves some tender loving care in return for the hours it puts in. Giving your petrol mower the right maintenance isn’t just about extending its lifespan—it’s also key to ensuring reliable performance and a healthier, better-looking lawn.

Here, we explain how to maintain a petrol lawn mower by following 10 simple, practical steps. So, whether you’re curious about how to maintain Honda lawn mowers, how to maintain Toro lawn mowers, or any other brand of petrol mower you own, please read on and you’ll find all the key steps right here…

1) Start With the Basics: Read the Manual

Before you reach for the spanners, take the time to familiarise yourself with your machine. Every lawnmower is different, and the manufacturer’s manual is your best friend when it comes to understanding the correct oil type, fuel recommendations, and even how often parts should be checked or replaced. It might not be thrilling bedtime reading, but knowing how to maintain your lawn mower begins with understanding its unique needs.

Failing to follow manufacturer guidance could even impact your warranty. So, take a few minutes, sit down with a cup of tea, and learn the quirks of your mower.

2) Always Use the Correct Fuel

One of the most common mistakes made by new petrol mower owners is using the wrong fuel. Today’s mowers are typically compatible with standard E10 petrol, but older models might not be. Using the wrong type of fuel can cause significant long-term damage, even if it seems to work in the short term.

Stale fuel is another silent killer of lawnmowers. Petrol starts to degrade after around three months, so if your mower has been sat unused in the shed, that fuel might be past its best. Emptying the tank before storing your mower for winter is one of the simplest ways to avoid frustrating engine issues come spring.

3) Check the Oil Regularly

Much like a car, your petrol mower needs its oil checked and changed periodically. You should pull out the dipstick before every mow to check the level and clarity. If the oil is black or full of debris, it’s time for a change.

For most models, old oil is drained via a drain plug or oil extractor, then replaced with fresh oil up to the recommended level. Never tip the mower to drain it, as this can lead to internal damage.

4) Clean or Replace the Air Filter

The air filter may be small, but its role is critical. It keeps debris, grass particles, and dust out of the engine, which is essential for smooth operation.

Cleaning the air filter monthly and replacing it annually helps prevent engine strain. Foam filters can often be washed with warm, soapy water and dried thoroughly, while paper filters are typically replaced outright. Always clean the surrounding housing before popping the new filter in.

5) Inspect and Change the Spark Plug

The spark plug is what gets your mower going each time you pull the cord or turn the key. Over time, these small but vital parts can become dirty or worn. If your mower’s taking a few extra pulls to start, or cutting out unexpectedly, the spark plug may be to blame.

To see if this is the case, remove it with a socket wrench, check for signs of wear or heavy carbon build-up, and replace if needed. This is one of the key steps in understanding how to maintain your petrol lawn mower and should be done at least once a year.

6) Keep the Blades Razor Sharp

Blunt blades don’t cut—they tear. And that’s bad news for both your grass and your mower. Whether you’re concerned with how to maintain a push mower for a neat suburban garden or how to maintain riding lawn mowers for more expansive areas of land, blade sharpness is absolutely critical.

You can sharpen the mower’s blade using a flat file or grinder, but always disconnect the spark plug first for safety. If the blade is chipped, heavily worn, or bent, it’s time for a replacement. A well-maintained blade gives you a cleaner cut and a healthier lawn.

7) Don’t Forget the Underside

Grass clippings, mud, and moisture can quickly accumulate underneath your mower, leading to rust and decay. Every few uses, tip your mower carefully—ensuring the air filter faces upwards—and give the underside a thorough clean with a damp cloth.

Keeping this area clean not only improves airflow and cutting efficiency but also helps prevent corrosion. Checking the underside of the machine is one of the most overlooked steps in how to maintain a petrol lawn mower, but makes a really noticeable difference.

8) Check and Tighten Nuts, Bolts, and Wheels

Vibrations from mowing can loosen parts over time. That rattle you heard last week? It could be a loose bolt waiting to fall out mid-mow. So, before each session, give your mower a quick visual inspection. Tighten any loose bolts and replace those that are missing.

Similarly, check your wheels. Are they turning smoothly? Do they feel secure? Lubricating the wheel axles and the height-adjustment mechanism can make mowing smoother and reduce wear on the chassis.

9) Service Your Mower Annually

Even with the most diligent DIY care, your petrol mower deserves a full professional service once a year because more complex components may need checking.

A professional service typically includes a full strip-down, blade sharpening, spark plug replacement, carburettor check, and fuel system inspection. It also keeps your warranty valid—a win-win situation for anyone who owns garden machinery.

10) Off-Season Storage Tips

When the mowing season ends, it’s tempting to wheel your lawnmower into the shed and forget about it. But taking a few simple steps can mean far less hassle come the following spring. So, drain the fuel tank, clean off all debris, and cover your mower to protect it from moisture and dust.

If your machine will be out of action for more than a few months, this really is vital because learning how to maintain your lawn mower includes preparing it for periods of inactivity.

 

Keep Your Petrol Mower—and Your Lawn—at Its Best

Learning how to maintain a lawnmower isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns. It’s about giving your machine the care it needs to perform at its best every time you use it. Whatever type of petrol mower you own, maintenance really does make all the difference.

And if you happen to be in the market for a new petrol machine, you’ll be delighted to know that you’re in exactly the right place to find one. That’s because Garden Machinery Direct is the UK’s leading online retailer of petrol mowers—including models from leading brands and designs to suit every type of garden. Explore our full collection of petrol mowers today and get the performance you need to keep your lawn lush and healthy.