The warm sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and your lawn is starting to look a little wild. It’s time to fire up the trusty lawnmower and get that green carpet back in shape. But before you reach for the gas can, there’s a crucial question to answer: what kind of gas does your lawnmower need? This article will delve into the world of lawnmower fuel, exploring the differences between gasoline blends, the importance of choosing the right fuel, and how to store it properly to ensure your mower runs smoothly and reliably season after season.
In short, most modern lawnmowers require regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. However, there are some exceptions, and understanding the specifics of your mower’s fuel requirements is essential for its performance and longevity.
Understanding Gasoline for Lawn Mowers
Gasoline, the primary fuel source for most lawnmowers, is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons. The key factor in determining the suitability of gasoline for your mower is its octane rating.
What is Octane Rating?
Octane rating measures a fuel’s resistance to knocking or pinging, which is a premature detonation inside the engine’s combustion chamber. Higher octane fuels are more resistant to knocking, making them suitable for engines with higher compression ratios.
Why Octane Matters for Lawn Mowers
While high-performance cars and motorcycles often require premium gasoline with a higher octane rating, most lawnmowers are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane). Using a higher octane fuel in a lawnmower won’t provide any performance benefits and is a waste of money. However, using a lower octane fuel than recommended can lead to engine knocking and potential damage.
Fuel Additives: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
The gasoline you buy at the pump may not be as pure as you think. It often contains additives that affect its performance and storage life. Some additives are beneficial, while others can be harmful to your lawnmower.
Good Additives:
- Ethanol: Ethanol is a biofuel commonly blended with gasoline. It can improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. However, ethanol can also absorb moisture, leading to phase separation and fuel system problems.
- Detergents: Detergents help keep your fuel system clean by preventing deposits from forming. This is especially important for lawnmowers that sit unused for extended periods.
Bad Additives:
- MTBE: Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is a gasoline additive that was widely used to increase octane rating and reduce emissions. However, MTBE is highly soluble in water and can contaminate groundwater. Its use has been phased out in many areas.
Choosing the Right Fuel for Your Lawn Mower
Now that you have a better understanding of gasoline and its additives, it’s time to choose the right fuel for your lawnmower. Here’s a breakdown of the most common fuel types and their suitability:
1. Regular Unleaded Gasoline: This is the most common and widely available gasoline type. Most lawnmowers run smoothly on regular unleaded with an octane rating of 87 or higher.
2. Ethanol-Free Gasoline: Ethanol-free gasoline is specifically designed for small engines like those found in lawnmowers. It avoids the problems associated with ethanol absorption, such as phase separation and fuel system issues. However, it may be more difficult to find and more expensive than regular unleaded.
3. Premium Gasoline: Premium gasoline with a higher octane rating is generally not necessary for lawnmowers. It may provide slight performance benefits in high-compression engines, but it’s usually not worth the extra cost.
4. Diesel Fuel: Some lawnmowers, especially commercial-grade models, are designed to run on diesel fuel. However, most residential lawnmowers are gasoline-powered.
Storing Fuel Properly: A Vital Step
Even if you choose the right fuel for your lawnmower, it’s crucial to store it properly to prevent degradation and ensure reliable performance.
Key Tips for Fuel Storage:
- Use Fresh Fuel: Gasoline starts to degrade after a few months, especially in warm temperatures. Avoid using fuel that’s been sitting in your gas can for longer than 30 days.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Store your gas can in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat sources. High temperatures accelerate fuel degradation.
- Use a Stabilizer: Fuel stabilizers are additives that slow down the degradation process. Add a stabilizer to your gas can before storing it for extended periods.
- Keep the Gas Can Tightly Sealed: Always ensure that your gas can lid is tightly sealed to prevent moisture and contaminants from entering.
The Bottom Line: Fueling Your Lawn Mower for Success
Choosing the right fuel and storing it properly are essential for keeping your lawnmower running smoothly and reliably. By following these tips, you can ensure your lawnmower performs at its best season after season.
Remember, most lawnmowers are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. However, check your owner’s manual for specific fuel recommendations for your model.
FAQs
What kind of gas should I use in my lawnmower?
Most lawnmowers use regular unleaded gasoline, which is the same type of gas you use in your car. However, some newer models may require a higher octane rating. Check your owner’s manual to see what type of gas is recommended for your specific mower.
It is important to note that using a higher octane gas than recommended won’t harm your lawnmower, but it won’t provide any additional benefits. Using a lower octane gas than recommended can cause engine knocking and damage.
Does it matter where I get my gas?
While it’s generally safe to buy gasoline from any reputable gas station, you should avoid using gas that has been sitting in a container for a long time, as it can become stale and gum up your lawnmower’s engine.
It’s best to use fresh gas and to avoid using gas that has been sitting in a container for more than 30 days. You can also use gas stabilizers to help extend the life of your gas.
Should I add any additives to my lawnmower gas?
It is generally not recommended to add additives to your lawnmower gas, as they can actually harm your engine. Some additives can cause engine knocking, while others can gum up the fuel system.
If you’re concerned about fuel quality, you can use a fuel stabilizer to help prevent the gas from going bad. However, it’s best to use fresh gas whenever possible.
How do I know if I’m using the right gas?
The best way to know what kind of gas to use in your lawnmower is to consult your owner’s manual. The manual will specify the recommended octane rating and any other relevant information.
If you don’t have your owner’s manual, you can usually find this information online by searching for your mower’s model number. You can also ask a knowledgeable employee at your local hardware or lawn care store for assistance.
Can I use ethanol-free gasoline in my lawnmower?
Ethanol-free gasoline is a good choice for lawnmowers because it does not attract moisture and does not degrade as quickly as regular gas. However, it is important to note that ethanol-free gasoline is not always readily available.
If you do decide to use ethanol-free gasoline, make sure to store it properly to prevent it from degrading. Ethanol-free gasoline can also be more expensive than regular gasoline.
How do I properly store my lawnmower?
Before storing your lawnmower for an extended period of time, make sure to drain the fuel tank. This will help prevent the gas from going bad and causing engine damage.
You should also run the engine until it is empty of fuel. This will help to remove any remaining fuel from the carburetor and fuel lines.
What should I do if I accidentally use the wrong type of gas?
If you accidentally use the wrong type of gas in your lawnmower, the best thing to do is to drain the tank and refill it with the correct type of gas. You can also try running the engine until the wrong gas is used up, but this may not be effective.
If you have any concerns, it is best to consult a qualified lawnmower mechanic for advice. They can help you determine the best course of action to ensure your lawnmower is running properly.