Tips & Advice

Seasonal Guide

How to Winterize Your Lawn Mower

Proper winterization protects your lawn mower from damage during the off-season and ensures it starts reliably in spring. Here's what every Auburn homeowner should do before storing their mower for winter:

• Drain or stabilize fuel — Old fuel is the #1 cause of spring starting problems. Either drain the tank completely or add fuel stabilizer and run the engine for a few minutes to distribute it.
• Change the oil — Used oil contains contaminants that can corrode engine parts over months of storage. Fresh oil protects internal components.
• Clean or replace the air filter — A dirty air filter left over winter can attract moisture and develop mold.
• Remove and inspect the spark plug — Clean or replace it. A small amount of oil in the cylinder helps prevent corrosion.
• Sharpen or replace blades — Get this done in the off-season so you're ready to go in spring.
• Clean the deck thoroughly — Remove all grass buildup from under the deck to prevent rust and corrosion.

Need help winterizing your equipment? Bring it to Dad Fix It for a complete winterization service!

Troubleshooting

5 Signs Your Small Engine Needs Repair

Don't ignore these warning signs — catching problems early saves you money and extends equipment life:

1. Hard starting or won't start — If your mower takes more than 3-4 pulls, there's likely a fuel, spark, or compression issue that will only get worse.
2. Rough running or stalling — Sputtering, surging, or stalling under load usually points to a dirty carburetor or fuel system problem.
3. Excessive smoke — Blue smoke means burning oil, white smoke means water in the fuel, black smoke means too-rich fuel mixture. All need attention.
4. Unusual vibrations — New vibrations often indicate bent blades, loose hardware, or worn bearings that can cause further damage if ignored.
5. Loss of power — If your equipment struggles with tasks it used to handle easily, it needs professional service.

If you notice any of these signs, bring your equipment to Dad Fix It for a free diagnostic evaluation.

Maintenance Guide

Essential Maintenance Schedule for Your Lawn Equipment

Following a regular maintenance schedule keeps your equipment reliable and extends its lifespan. Here's what we recommend:

Don't want to handle maintenance yourself? Dad Fix It offers affordable seasonal tune-up packages to keep your equipment in top shape.