The crisp air is nipping at your nose, the leaves have fallen, and your lawn is slowly fading into a state of winter slumber. You’ve put away your gardening tools, but what about your faithful lawnmower? Can it brave the elements and remain outside throughout the winter months? This question plagues many homeowners, especially those who don’t have the luxury of dedicated storage space. In this article, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of leaving your lawnmower outside during winter, exploring the potential risks and damage, and ultimately providing you with the knowledge to make an informed decision.
The short answer is: it depends. Leaving your lawnmower outside during the winter can be risky, as it exposes it to elements like moisture, cold temperatures, and potentially harmful pests. However, with some careful considerations and preparation, it might be possible to weather the winter months without bringing your lawnmower inside.
Understanding the Risks of Leaving Your Lawn Mower Outside
While it might seem convenient, leaving your lawnmower exposed to the elements throughout winter can lead to a variety of problems, potentially shortening its lifespan and requiring costly repairs.
1. Moisture and Corrosion
Moisture is the biggest enemy of your lawnmower. Rain, snow, and even heavy dew can seep into the engine and other mechanical parts, leading to corrosion. Rust can form on metal components, hindering movement and ultimately causing damage.
2. Temperature Extremes
Both freezing and excessively high temperatures can negatively impact your lawnmower. Extremely cold temperatures can cause lubricants to thicken, making it difficult for the engine to start. Conversely, intense heat can cause components like rubber seals and hoses to become brittle and crack.
3. Pests and Animals
Rodents and insects can find shelter in your lawnmower, especially during the winter months. They might chew on wires, hoses, and other delicate parts, causing serious damage and rendering your lawnmower unusable. Additionally, larger animals like raccoons might try to access the engine or fuel tank, resulting in further complications.
4. Theft and Vandalism
While less common, leaving your lawnmower outside can also increase the risk of theft or vandalism. Even if it’s not a high-end model, your lawnmower could be stolen for parts or simply damaged for malicious intent.
Protecting Your Lawn Mower for Winter Storage
If you’re determined to leave your lawnmower outside during winter, consider these steps to mitigate the risks:
1. Thorough Cleaning and Maintenance
Before winter sets in, give your lawnmower a thorough cleaning. Remove any grass clippings, dirt, and debris. This will reduce the chances of moisture retention and attractants for pests. Furthermore, perform a basic maintenance check, including:
- Changing the oil and filter.
- Inspecting and cleaning the air filter.
- Checking and tightening all nuts and bolts.
- Refueling the tank with fresh gasoline.
2. Protect from Moisture
To shield your lawnmower from moisture, consider investing in a heavy-duty tarp. Choose a tarp that is large enough to completely cover the mower and secure it with ropes or straps. This will prevent rain, snow, and dew from directly impacting the machine.
3. Store in a Protected Location
If possible, position your lawnmower in a partially sheltered area, like under a porch or awning. This will provide some protection from the elements.
4. Consider a Storage Cover
For added protection, consider investing in a lawnmower storage cover. These are designed to be water-resistant and provide an extra layer of defense against moisture and debris.
5. Protect Against Rodents
Place rodent repellent near your lawnmower to deter them from seeking shelter inside. You can also try using peppermint oil or mothballs, but be cautious with these as they may harm your lawnmower’s components.
Alternatives to Leaving Your Lawn Mower Outside
While leaving your lawnmower outside might seem convenient, it’s essential to weigh the potential risks. Here are some alternatives to consider:
1. Store in a Garage or Shed
If you have access to a garage or shed, these provide the best protection against the elements. These structures create a controlled environment that protects your lawnmower from moisture, temperature extremes, and pests.
2. Rent a Storage Unit
If you don’t have space in your home, consider renting a storage unit. This option might be a bit more expensive, but it offers a secure and climate-controlled environment for your lawnmower.
Conclusion: The Final Decision
Ultimately, the decision to leave your lawnmower outside during the winter is a personal one. Carefully assess the risks and consider the available alternatives. If you choose to leave it outside, invest in proper protection and preventative maintenance to minimize the chances of damage. Remember, a well-maintained lawnmower will be ready to tackle the spring’s lawn care challenges!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can leaving my lawn mower outside damage it?
Yes, leaving your lawn mower outside in the winter can damage it. The cold weather can cause the oil to thicken, making it difficult for the engine to start. The moisture in the air can also cause rust and corrosion, which can damage the engine, fuel lines, and other components. If you live in a particularly cold climate, the freezing temperatures can even crack the engine block.
It’s important to note that some lawn mowers are designed to be more weather-resistant than others. For example, mowers with a metal frame and a painted finish are more likely to hold up in the cold and wet weather than mowers with a plastic frame and an unpainted finish.
What happens if I leave my lawn mower outside in the winter?
Leaving your lawn mower outside in the winter exposes it to various elements that can cause damage. The cold temperatures can thicken the oil, making it difficult for the engine to start. The moisture in the air can cause rust and corrosion, affecting the engine, fuel lines, and other components. In severe cold, freezing temperatures can even crack the engine block.
Moreover, the snow and ice can accumulate on the mower, making it difficult to start and operate. The snow can also clog the air filter and other parts of the mower, which can lead to engine problems. Leaving your lawn mower outside during the winter can also attract pests and rodents who may build nests or damage the engine.
How do I protect my lawn mower during the winter?
Protecting your lawn mower during the winter is crucial to ensure its longevity and functionality. The most effective way is to store it indoors in a dry and cool place, preferably a garage or shed. This protects it from the cold temperatures, snow, and ice, preventing potential damage.
If indoor storage is not possible, you can consider using a tarp or a lawn mower cover to protect your mower from the elements. These covers help to keep the snow and ice off the mower, and they can also help to prevent rust and corrosion. It’s also important to drain the fuel tank and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the fuel from going bad.
Is it better to leave my lawn mower outside in the winter or inside?
It is always recommended to store your lawn mower indoors during the winter. Storing it inside a garage or shed protects it from the harsh winter elements, minimizing the risk of damage. The cold temperatures, snow, ice, and moisture can significantly impact the longevity and functionality of your lawn mower.
While storing it outside might seem convenient, it exposes it to various elements that can lead to rust, corrosion, engine damage, and other issues. If you must store your lawn mower outside, consider using a tarp or lawn mower cover to provide some protection, but indoor storage is always the best option.
Can I leave my lawn mower outside if it’s covered?
While covering your lawn mower with a tarp or lawn mower cover can offer some protection from the elements, it’s not a substitute for storing it indoors. While a cover can help keep the snow and ice off the mower, it won’t prevent the cold temperatures from affecting the oil or the moisture from causing rust and corrosion.
It’s also important to note that some covers are more effective than others. A heavy-duty, waterproof cover will offer better protection than a lightweight, flimsy cover. However, even the best cover cannot fully protect your lawn mower from the elements.
What if I have a gas-powered lawn mower?
Gas-powered lawn mowers are more susceptible to damage from the winter elements than electric lawn mowers. This is because the fuel can go bad in the cold, and the engine components can be more easily damaged by the cold and moisture. If you have a gas-powered lawn mower, it’s even more important to store it indoors during the winter.
Before storing your gas-powered lawn mower for the winter, drain the fuel tank and add a fuel stabilizer. This will help to prevent the fuel from going bad and causing problems with the engine. You should also change the oil and air filter before storing the mower.
What if I have an electric lawn mower?
Electric lawn mowers are generally more resistant to the elements than gas-powered lawn mowers. This is because they don’t have a fuel tank that can go bad, and the engine components are less likely to be damaged by the cold and moisture. However, it’s still a good idea to store your electric lawn mower indoors during the winter, especially if you live in a very cold climate.
If you must store your electric lawn mower outside, be sure to cover it with a tarp or lawn mower cover. This will help to protect it from the snow, ice, and moisture. You should also remove the battery and store it indoors. This will help to prevent the battery from freezing and becoming damaged.