Four Simple Ways to Prepare Your Mower for Spring and Summer

Get your lawn mower ready for the new cutting season with these maintenance tips.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:19pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single lawn mower icon repeated in a grid, capturing the everyday tool as a modern pop art subject.A vibrant, pop art-inspired illustration celebrates the humble lawn mower as an iconic symbol of spring and summer yard work.Binghamton Today

As the winter weather subsides, it's time to get your lawn mower ready for the spring and summer cutting season. Whether you have a gas-powered or battery-powered model, there are a few key steps to take to ensure your mower is in top shape, including replacing or sharpening the blades, clearing out any debris, and checking the engine or battery.

Why it matters

Properly maintaining your lawn mower can extend its lifespan, improve the quality of your lawn by providing a clean, even cut, and prevent any issues that could arise from a neglected machine. Taking the time for some basic pre-season prep can save you money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs or replacements.

The details

The first step is to inspect and replace or sharpen the mower blades if needed. Dull blades can tear the grass, leading to a ragged appearance and increased risk of disease. Sharpening the blades yourself with a grinder or file is a cost-effective option, but you can also have a local repair shop handle it. Next, clear out any built-up dirt, grass clippings, or other debris from under the mower deck. This buildup can damage the blades and spread unwanted fungi. For gas-powered mowers, check the oil, air filter, and spark plug, and ensure you have fresh, stabilized fuel. And for battery-powered models, make sure to fully charge the batteries before use.

  • As the winter weather subsides, it's time to get your lawn mower ready for the spring and summer cutting season.

The players

David Dritsas

A Reviews Editor for Hearst's Enthusiast Group, contributing to Popular Mechanics, Runner's World, Bicycling, Best Products, and Biography. He has over 25 years of experience writing about and reviewing consumer electronics, kitchen appliances, DIY products, outdoor gear, and more.

Colin Aylesworth

A Deputy Editor with the Gear team at Popular Mechanics and Runner's World, where he has been since 2022. Prior to joining Hearst Magazines, he worked for 11 years at U.S. News and World Report on the autos team.

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What they’re saying

“Sharpening your blades can help save money by replacing them less frequently. This method uses a cordless grinder. Here we use a 4½-inch angle grinder and a 60-grit flap disk. But you could also use a specialized grinding wheel in a drill, a bench grinder, a belt grinder, or simply a file if all the blade needs is a touch-up.”

— David Dritsas, Reviews Editor

“It's a good idea to change the oil in your lawn mower at least once a season, possibly even more if you frequently use it to cut multiple properties.”

— David Dritsas, Reviews Editor

What’s next

Once you've completed these pre-season maintenance tasks, your lawn mower should be ready to tackle the spring and summer cutting season. Be sure to continue monitoring the mower throughout the year and perform regular maintenance as needed.

The takeaway

Taking the time to properly prepare your lawn mower for the new cutting season can save you money, extend the life of your equipment, and ensure your lawn stays looking its best. These simple maintenance steps are well worth the effort to keep your mower running smoothly all year round.