Winterising Your Lawn Mower: An Essential Checklist

As grass growth slows and lawns enter dormancy for winter, now is the ideal time to give your lawn mower some essential end-of-season care before storing it away. Properly winterising your mower not only protects it from cold, damp conditions but also ensures it’s in prime working condition when spring arrives. Whether you own a petrol, cordless or electric model, Cobra Machinery shares its essential winterising checklist to help prevent costly repairs and unnecessary damage when the mowing season returns.

1. Give your mower a thorough clean

Grass clippings, dirt and moisture left on your mower can lead to corrosion over winter.

· Remove built-up grass from the underside of the cutting deck

· Clean the wheels and height adjustment areas

· Wipe down handles and controls

Top tip: for petrol mowers, always disconnect the spark plug before cleaning.

A clean mower is far less likely to suffer from rust and mechanical issues during storage.

2. Check and sharpen the blade

A blunt or damaged blade makes mowing less efficient and can stress the engine.

· Inspect the blade for nicks, bends or excessive wear

· Sharpen or replace the blade if needed

This simple task over winter means your mower will be ready for a clean, healthy cut as soon as the new season starts.

3. Deal with fuel (petrol mowers)

Fuel left sitting in the tank over winter can degrade and cause starting problems in spring.

You have two options:

· Drain the fuel tank and carburettor completely, or

· Add a fuel stabiliser and run the engine briefly to circulate it

Either method helps prevent blockages and engine issues after long-term storage.

4. Change or check the oil

Old engine oil can contain contaminants that may damage internal components.

· Drain and replace the oil according to your mower’s manual

· Check oil levels and top up if necessary

Fresh oil helps protect the engine while the mower is not in use.

5. Inspect the air filter

A clogged or dirty air filter restricts airflow and reduces engine performance.

· Remove the air filter

· Clean or replace it if required

This quick check helps maintain engine efficiency and reliability.

6. Battery care

For cordless models, correct battery storage is essential.

· Remove the battery from the mower

· Store it indoors in a cool, dry place

· Avoid leaving batteries fully discharged for long periods

For electric mowers, check cables and plugs for wear before storing.

7. Protect metal parts

Lightly oiling exposed metal components helps prevent rust during damp winter months.

· Apply a light coating of oil to bolts, cables and adjustment mechanisms

· Avoid oiling belts or electrical components

This extra step can make a big difference to long-term durability!

8. Store your mower correctly

Finally, choose a suitable storage location.

· Store the mower in a dry, sheltered area such as a garage or shed

· Keep it off damp ground if possible

· Cover the mower to protect it from dust and moisture

Proper storage reduces the risk of corrosion and accidental damage.

Ready for spring

Taking the time to winterise your lawn mower is a small investment that pays off when the mowing season returns. With Cobra Machinery’s range of reliable, easy-to-maintain mowers, a little off-season care ensures dependable performance year after year.

For model-specific maintenance advice, always refer to your Cobra user manual or speak to your local Cobra dealer.

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For more information on protecting your garden machinery, or to explore Cobra’s wider range of garden solutions, visit: https://cobragarden.co.uk/

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Editors notes

The Cobra Garden range is constantly expanding and now consists of over 130 products to cover both domestic and professional requirements. Cobra incorporate a comprehensive range of petrol, electric and cordless lawnmowers, handheld machines and lawncare products.