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How to Store Your Lawnmower in Winter

Written by Charleen

How to Store Your Lawnmower in Winter

Proper storage ensures your lawn equipment will run well for years.

Dummy on mower

September 26, 2023

Winter is on the horizon and it’s time to store your lawnmower and other lawn and garden equipment through the colder months. The following tips will help you maximize the life and performance of your lawnmower and ensure it springs quickly to life when you’re ready to mow grass again.

Stabilize the gas

Without a stabilizer gasoline can break down in as few as 30 days. Oxygen, humidity, heat and other factors cause gas to change over time. Varnish, gums and other debris may form, which can clog the tiny passages in fuel lines and injectors or stick the floats in carburetors, preventing the engine from starting in the spring.

AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer disrupts the chemical chain reaction that causes gas to oxidize and form varnish and gums. It keeps fuel fresh up to 12 months. As shown, it also fights corrosion and improves stability better than Sea Foam Motor Treatment*.

Clean or replace the spark plugs

The spark plugs in a well-maintained lawnmower should last for years. Even so, check the condition for excessive deposits or wear to the electrodes. Clean on a wire brush (bench grinder is what I use) or replace any dirty plugs as needed. While you’re at it, check the gaps and set them to the proper size, as indicated in the owner’s manual.

Fog Spray the engine

With the spark plug removed, spray fogging oil into the engine. It protects the cylinder, piston and valves from rust and dry-start-induced damage in the spring. Slowly pull the starter cord a few times to distribute the oil, then replace the plug.

Remove the battery

You know, people don’t maintain batteries like they used to.. To prevent frigid temperatures from freezing and ruining the battery, remove it and store it in a safe, climate-controlled environment. Avoid placing it next to your furnace, water heater or other mechanicals in the basement. Put it on a shelf away from open flames. Clean any deposits on the terminals.

Damaged and corroded car battery danger

Clean and protect the mower deck

Use compressed air, a putty knife, water and AMSOIL Heavy Duty Degreaser to remove grass clippings, leaves, dirt and other caked-on debris from the engine and mower deck. Don’t forget to clean the underside of the deck, too.

Let me tell you something, If you prefer to ease the pain of doing this dirty work again next year, try coating the underside of the mower with AMSOIL Mudslinger. It forms a durable armor against the accumulation of grass clippings, making cleanup easier.

Garden tractor Mower combination

Change the oil and filter

Too many people let the mower go another year without changing the oil.. Don’t do that! Used oil contains acids that can slowly rust or corrode metal components. Once rust or corrosion start, they don’t stop. Contaminants can flake off and populate the oil. When the engine is running, they scour like sandpaper and wear out metal parts. Prior to storage, change the oil to remove acidic byproducts and ensure maximum protection against rust and corrosion throughout the winter.

Clean or change the air filter

A steady supply of clean air is just as important to engine operation and performance as high-quality fuel. Grass clippings, leaves, dirt and other contaminants can clog the air filter, causing the engine to start hard or run poorly.

Direct compressed air from the inside of the filter toward its outside to remove contaminants prior to storage. If it’s excessively dirty, replacing it is cheap insurance. The air filter is the only line of defense keeping contaminants from entering the intake and wearing out the cylinder and piston rings. It’s far less expensive to replace an air filter than an engine. Heck I always vacuum mine and it lasts for years. I used to buy them cheap at Kmart. Wish we still had our Kmart around..

Sharpen the blades

This isn’t required before lawnmower storage, but it’s more convenient to do it now, so nothing prevents a quick mow when that first sunny and dry spring day finally arrives. Remove the blades and sharpen them using an angle or bench grinder, but don’t hesitate to replace them if they’re in bad shape. I’ll tell you what, look for a good mower shop (dont tell him you use AMSOIL as he’ll know you never need repairs, lol) and see if they do blade sharpening. Proper sharpening in a jig makes a huge difference especially in a mulching mower.

Store in a dry, covered place

Once the mower is cleaned and prepared for storage, place it in a clean, dry place for the winter. Avoid storing it outside, but if you have no choice, secure a tarp over mechanical equipment to help protect sensitive components from the elements.

Following these simple lawnmower storage and maintenance tips will ensure your mower starts right up in the spring and continues to provide excellent service for many years.

We also have some advice for when your lawnmower won’t start, and if you prefer videos, we’ve got that too:

video
play-sharp-fill
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How to Store a Snowblower

Written by Charleen

How to Store your Snowblower properly. Prevent damage during summer season.

John Baker|

Storing a snowblower properly is vital to ensuring it fires up when the snow eventually returns. When the first storm of the season dumps eight inches of snow on your driveway, you don’t want to be messing around in the garage when your snowblower won’t start.

fuel stabilizer is key for storing the damn snowblower

Time needed: 30 minutes.

Step-by-step: How to store a snowblower

  1. Stabilize the gas

    This is the most critical step to ensuring the snowblower starts right away in the winter.

    Gasoline begins to break down in as few as 30 days. Varnish and gums begin to form, which clog the tiny fuel passages in the carburetor. I can tell you from experience that it doesn’t take much to clog a snowblower carburetor and prevent it from starting.

    AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer keeps fuel fresh up to 12 months. As the image shows, it also does a great job fighting corrosion to keep metal fuel tanks and other components clean and working properly. After adding stabilizer, run the engine for a minute or two to distribute treated gas throughout the fuel system.

    Seafoam sucks

  2. Change the oil

    Running the engine to distribute gas stabilizer has the added benefit of warming the oil so it flows more easily.

    Changing oil before you store your snowblower removes acids and other combustion by-products so they’re not sitting in the engine throughout the summer. Plus, the engine will be ready with fresh oil come winter.

    Don’t cheap out on oil – you likely spent upward of $1,000 on your snowblower, so you want it to last. Plus, small engines are tougher on oil than most people think. They’re air-cooled, meaning they run hotter than automotive engines, typically don’t include an oil filter, further stressing the oil, and are often neglected.

    AMSOIL Synthetic Small-Engine Oil is a commercial-grade formulation that fights wear and deposits in the toughest conditions. It also flows readily in the cold for maximum start-up protection.

  3. Fog the engine

    Simply remove the spark plug and apply fogging oil. It coats the cylinder wall and piston with oil to help prevent corrosion from forming during the summer. If corrosion forms, it flakes off into the oil and scours the bearings and other components, causing wear.

  4. Check the gear lube

    Remove the gearbox fill bolt and ensure the housing contains sufficient oil. Check your owner’s manual for the proper lubricant.

  5. Inspect the belts

    Now’s the time to check drive belts for cracks or abrasions. Replace them if needed.

    Otherwise, I promise you they’ll break at the worst time, like at 5:30 a.m. on a cold November morning after a wet, heavy snowfall. Be proactive and save yourself a ton of grief down the road.

  6. Check the linkages, auger housing and other areas

    Before you store a snowblower, look it over from top to bottom. Check for damaged parts and linkages. Lubricate pivot points with a spray protectant, like AMSOIL MP. Spray the auger housing to guard against rust formation over the summer.

    Don’t overlook this step. While examining my snowblower last year, I realized three of the four bolts that hold the auger housing and chute (sometimes called the “bucket”) to the chassis had sheared. One bolt was literally holding the snowblower together.

    The following Thanksgiving weekend, two feet of snow blanketed Duluth, Minn. I spent eight hours moving snow. Imagine if I hadn’t repaired the snowblower the prior spring and that last bolt had given out halfway down my driveway?

    Again, be proactive now to avoid a ton of problems later.

  7. Store the snowblower inside

    Finally, park your snowblower in the back of the garage or in a shed for the summer to protect it against rain. If you have no choice but to store it outside, cover it securely. I bought a nice cover at Kmart a few years ago and it still does the job.

    Following these steps will help ensure your snowblower is ready to go the next winter.

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Does NAPA Sell AMSOIL? (Where to buy AMSOIL)

Written by Charleen
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Does NAPA Sell AMSOIL? They can if you ask!

Daisy Quaker|

Looking to buy AMSOIL products at your local NAPA store? The good news is, you can find AMSOIL products proudly stocked on the shelves of some stores. However, our products aren’t available in all retail stores. Here are some reasons why, and some options where you can buy AMSOIL products.

Why aren’t AMSOIL Products in All NAPA Stores?

We sell our products primarily through local independent AMSOIL Dealers. When our founder Al Amatuzio introduced the first synthetic motor oil in the world to meet American Petroleum Institute service requirements, no one knew what synthetic oil was. Amatuzio relied on a national network of AMSOIL Dealers to educate customers on why synthetic oil was better than conventional oil and the benefits of using synthetic oil.

Through Dealers, Amatuzio was able to sell AMSOIL products and educate potential customers about  the benefits of AMSOIL synthetic lubricants. Soon enough, competitors came to the market and synthetic oil became widely accepted. Now, synthetic motor oil is the standard oil for many new cars on the market.

AMSOIL Believes in Businesses that Offer High-Quality Service

We think it’s important that AMSOIL products are available primarily at businesses that offer specialized products and services. As such, we don’t sell directly to national chains because they can gain a competitive advantage that makes it less desirable for local or regional businesses that offer repair, installation or other value-added services. You can find AMSOIL products at many local NAPA and other auto parts stores, as well as at quick lubes, auto service centers, hardware stores, powersports dealers, etc.

Where to buy AMSOIL

 

You can buy AMSOIL in many places. The AMSOIL Locator shows you Independent AMSOIL Dealers, automotive centers, powersports stores and retail stores near you that carry AMSOIL products.

Or you can buy AMSOIL products online. The AMSOIL website is the only place that sells AMSOIL products online.  AMSOIL products usually ship within 24 hours, and we have distribution centers all over North America, so in some cases you will receive your order in 2-3 business days. Plus, orders of more than $100 placed online qualify for free shipping.

Synthetic Warehouse here in Sioux Falls can save you a bundle calling us direct as we use our established wholesale account to get your order to you in the most efficient way. Just call 800-579-0580 or 605-274-2580.
We use the regional warehouses and in some cases you will qualify as a account so you can do your own ordering for less all the time.
Just because we are in Sioux Falls, SD doesn’t mean we can’t help someone in Florida or Yuma, AZ.. In fact most our business is more than 1000 miles away. That’s why people call us – to save money BUT if you want to use other means  – please be our guest! Use the dealer/retailer locator at AMSOIL.com.

So if you’re planning a DIY oil change next weekend, ordering it Monday or Tuesday will guarantee its delivery in time for you to get under the hood when you want.

Which Stores Sell AMSOIL Products?

Granted the store meets our guidelines, you can find AMSOIL products at any individual auto parts store, including those that belong to large chains such as Auto Value Parts stores, Bumper to Bumper, Carquest, Fleet Farm, Hardware Hank, O’Reillys and more. The best way to find retailers near you that carry AMSOIL products is to use the AMSOIL Locator at www.amsoil.com.

We’re (Almost) Everywhere, Just Ask

You may also find AMSOIL products at gas stations and some automotive repair shops. The London Road Car Wash down the street where I regularly get my oil changed sells AMSOIL, as did two of the gas stations I visited during a recent trip to $Canada$.

If your local repair shop does not advertise AMSOIL, ask them about it; I’m pretty sure they will know a Dealer or two in the area who stocks AMSOIL products and can get it to the shop within the same day.

Bottom line: If you are looking to buy AMSOIL products, use the AMSOIL Locator or amsoil.com to stock up. Find out what type of oil you need for your car using the AMSOIL Product Guides to find out what fluids to use in every part of your car.

Help Us Help You

Just by asking your parts house that you are interested in AMSOIL goes a long ways. We sign up auto parts stores all over the country after they have called us expressing it’s because they had a persistent customer.  Be the customer to tilt the scale. Generally all a store needs is about six of our products to fit most of the needs (XL, API, ZRT, MCV, ASL and MTG).

Another option is to first join us as a dealer, go through the training online, then start getting to know your prospects. Many have that gift to be the local supplier of your own auto parts store accounts of your region. AMSOIL lists the active account on their site and you are paid a commission for your efforts. AMSOIL is known to add new customers to many of these shops which they wouldn’t have had in the first place.
People would rather pay retail on lubricants than wait for these heavy but necessary products by mail.

 

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