Add fuel stabilizer and run mower for 5 minutes

Short answer

Each fall, add fuel stabilizer to the tank at the bottle's mix ratio, then run the engine for 5 minutes so treated fuel reaches the carburetor.

Priority: Medium
Difficulty: DIY
Time: 10 min
How often: Once a year
Season: Fall

Why It Matters

Gasoline goes stale in 30-60 days, gumming up carburetors. Stabilizer keeps fuel usable through winter storage.

Materials

Fuel stabilizer

How to Do It

Check the current fuel level in the mower's tank so you know how much stabilizer to add.
Read the stabilizer bottle's label and measure the correct amount for your tank volume.
Pour the measured stabilizer into the fuel tank.
Start the mower and let it run for 5 minutes so the treated fuel circulates through the carburetor.

Change lawnmower oil Once a year
Clean and remove grass clippings from mower Once a year
Reinstall lawnmower battery Once a year
Remove and store lawnmower battery indoors Once a year
Replace lawnmower air filter Once a year

Part Of

Garage Lawnmower

Last updated 23 September 2026

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