Summertime is in full swing and with it comes the endless chore of cutting the lawn. While getting your lawn in tip-top shape week after week can feel like a drag, it sure beats having it overrun with weeds and tall grass. One hurdle many homeowners face when it comes to tackling chores around the yard is figuring out how to refuel their trusty lawn mower.
Whether you’re new to small engine maintenance or have been pushing a mower through the grass for years, keeping enough gas in the tank to finish the job can sometimes feel like more work than the mowing itself. But have no fear – with a few tips and tricks under your belt, you’ll be a pro at getting gas for your lawn mower in no time.
Read on to learn about how to get gas for lawn mower.
What Will You Need?
Before you even make a trip to the gas station, it’s best to have all your supplies prepped and ready. Gathering everything beforehand will save you from having to run back and forth for items while trying to refuel. Here are some items that can help make the process easier:
- Gas can
- Funnel (if needed)
- Garden gloves (optional but recommended)
- Clean cloth (for any spills or drips)
Once you have everything you need, make sure to double-check that your lawn mower is ready for refueling. This means turning it off and letting the engine cool down before adding gas. Safety always comes first!
10 Easy Steps on How to Get Gas for Lawn Mower
Step 1. Locate the Nearest Gas Station
Use a mapping or GPS service to find the closest gas station to your home. If you already have a favorite spot, that’s great! Remember that you’ll be transporting gas in your vehicle, so try to choose a reasonably close station.
Step 2. Purchase the Correct Type of Gas
When you arrive at the gas station, you must purchase the right type of fuel for your lawn mower. Most lawnmowers will run efficiently on regular unleaded gasoline, but be sure to check your lawn mower’s manual to confirm the correct type. Avoid using gas with more than 10% ethanol content, as it can damage your lawn mower’s engine. Once you’re sure about the gas type, fill up your gas can. Careful not to overfill. Leave some room for the gas to expand.
Step 3. Transport the Gas Safely
After purchasing, place the filled gas can upright in your vehicle. To prevent any movement during transit, secure it well; you might use a bungee cord or any other tie-down. Be sure to drive straight home, as it’s not safe to leave the filled gas container in your vehicle for an extended period. Avoid rough or bumpy roads if possible to reduce the risk of fuel spillage. Once home, remove the gas can from your car promptly.
Step 4. Prepare Your Lawn Mower
Place your lawn mower on a flat, stable surface in an open area. Make sure the engine is off and has had time to cool down. Check the fuel tank; if there’s old gas sitting in the tank for a while, it’s best to dispose of it properly before adding new gas. You can consult your mower’s manual or a professional if unsure how to do this. Always remember – safety first!
Step 5. Refuel Your Lawn Mower
Now that your mower is prepped take your gas can and, if needed, a funnel. Remove the cap from your mower’s fuel tank. Position the funnel at the tank’s opening if you’re using one. Slowly pour the gas into the tank, careful not to overfill it. If your mower has a fuel level indicator, fill it until it reads full.
If it doesn’t, fill until the gas level reaches about an inch below the tank’s edge. Once filled, securely replace the cap on the fuel tank. Wipe away any spills with a clean cloth. Remember, safety comes first, so if you spill any gasoline, clean it up immediately and dispose of the fabric safely.
Step 6. Store Your Gas Safely
Once you’ve refueled your lawn mower, it’s crucial to store any leftover gas correctly to prevent any accidents. Store the gas can in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from heat sources or open flames. It’s best to keep it out of reach of children and pets. To maintain the quality of the gas, keep it tightly sealed in the approved container. Remember, gasoline is a hazardous material and should be treated as such.
Step 7. Test Your Lawn Mower
Now, it’s time to check if your lawn mower is working correctly after refueling. Move to an open area, away from any obstacles or valuable items that could be damaged. Start your lawn mower according to its manual – often, this involves pressing a button or pulling on a cord. Give it a moment to warm up, then test it by mowing a small, hidden patch of grass. If everything seems to be working correctly, you can start mowing the rest of your lawn.
Step 8. Regularly Check Your Lawn Mower’s Fuel
As part of your routine lawn mower maintenance, make it a habit to check the fuel level before each use. Running out of gas halfway through mowing can be frustrating, not to mention it is not good for your mower to run on an empty tank. Regularly checking your fuel levels ensures that you’ll always be ready to mow when needed. A visual inspection should suffice if your mower doesn’t have a fuel level indicator. If the fuel is low, repeat the steps above to refuel.
Step 9. Make A Fuel Management Plan
Having a fuel management plan in place will ensure that you always have gas in the middle of mowing your lawn. Consider keeping track of how much fuel your lawn mower uses per mowing session – this will help you estimate when you’ll need to refuel. Additionally, it is wise to have a backup can of gas stored safely so you have a reserve when required.
Regularly check the condition of your stored gas; if it’s been stored for a few months, consider using it up and replacing it with fresh gas to maintain optimal mower performance. Always remember to keep your gas safely and securely, out of reach from children and pets.
Step 10. Properly Dispose of Old Gas
The final step in managing your lawn mower’s fuel is properly disposing of old gas. Gasoline stored for an extended period may degrade and is not suitable for your lawn mower’s engine. If you find old gas in your storage, don’t pour it into your lawn mower or down the drain. Instead, take it to a local hazardous waste facility for proper disposal. Remember, improper gasoline disposal can harm both the environment and public health. Always follow local regulations and guidelines when disposing of old gasoline.
Following these steps, you can quickly and safely refuel your lawn mower. Always prioritize safety when handling gasoline and maintain proper fuel management for efficient lawn mower performance.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Use Only Fresh Gasoline: Always use fresh gasoline for your lawn mower. Old gasoline can degrade and cause harm to the engine.
- Proper Storage: Store your gasoline container properly in a cool and dry place to prevent the gas from becoming contaminated.
- Safety First: When handling gasoline, prioritize safety. Avoid smoking and keep it away from sparks or open flames.
- Use a Gas Can: Always use an approved gas can when obtaining gas for your lawn mower. It is designed for safe transportation and storage.
- Appropriate Fill Level: Don’t fill the tank to the brim. Leave some space to allow the gasoline to expand, which occurs naturally with fluctuations in temperature.
With these additional tips and tricks, you can ensure your lawn mower runs smoothly and efficiently.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Using Old Gasoline: As mentioned above, using old gasoline can cause harm to your lawn mower’s engine. Make sure always to use fresh gasoline.
- Storing Gasoline in Direct Sunlight: Avoid storing your gasoline container under direct sunlight as it can cause the gas to evaporate and potentially create a fire hazard.
- Overfilling the Tank: Filling your lawn mower’s tank to the brim can cause gasoline to spill, which is not only wasteful but also a safety hazard.
- Using Non-approved Containers: Using non-approved containers for gas transportation can be dangerous and increase the risk of fire or explosion.
- Not Checking for Ethanol Content: Many gas stations now offer ethanol-blended gasoline. Check the label and choose the appropriate type for your lawn mower.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure your safety and prolong the life of your lawn mower.
Conclusion
Taking the time to understand how to get gas for lawn mower can be a rewarding experience. Not only will it help you out of a significant household chore, but it can also be an enjoyable pastime with friends and family members.
No matter what kind of wood you’re splitting or what method you’re using, the result will surely put a smile on your face and all those who have seen it in action. Beyond that, proper safety encouragement should always be stressed to avoid any potential risks associated with this type of activity.
So don’t hesitate – grab your logs and log splitter and prepare for a fun time! And remember: safety first!
