The hum of a lawn mower on a sunny Saturday morning is a quintessential summertime sound, but before you fire up your engine, you need to fuel it. Choosing the right gas for your lawn mower isn’t just about getting it running, it’s about ensuring optimal performance, protecting your engine, and avoiding costly repairs. This guide will help you understand the different gasoline options available, their pros and cons, and how to choose the best gas for your lawn mower.
The short answer? Use 87 octane unleaded gasoline, but ensure it’s fresh, free of ethanol, and treated with a fuel stabilizer. While higher octane fuels are available, they offer no benefit for most lawn mower engines.
Understanding Gasoline Basics
Gasoline is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, and its quality is determined by several factors:
Octane Rating
The octane rating measures a fuel’s resistance to knocking or pinging – an uncontrolled explosion that can damage your engine. Higher octane fuels are more resistant to knocking, but they are not necessarily better for all engines.
Ethanol Content
Ethanol is a biofuel often blended with gasoline to reduce emissions. While it can lower gas prices, ethanol can also cause problems for small engines like those found in lawn mowers.
Additives
Gasoline often contains additives that enhance its performance, such as detergents, anti-knock agents, and fuel stabilizers.
Choosing the Right Gas for Your Lawn Mower
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
For most lawn mowers, 87 octane unleaded gasoline is the best choice. It’s readily available, affordable, and meets the performance requirements of most small engines.
Benefits:
- Cost-effective: 87 octane is the most affordable gasoline option.
- Readily available: It’s readily available at most gas stations.
- Suitable for most engines: Most lawn mower engines are designed to run on 87 octane.
Drawbacks:
- Ethanol content: Ethanol can attract water, causing corrosion and gumming in engines. It can also reduce fuel efficiency and engine performance.
- Fuel degradation: Gasoline deteriorates over time, especially when exposed to heat, light, and air.
Higher Octane Gasoline (89, 91, 93)
While higher octane fuels are more resistant to knocking, they offer no performance benefit for most lawn mower engines.
Benefits:
- Potential for improved fuel efficiency: Some engines may experience slightly better fuel efficiency with higher octane fuel, but this is generally negligible.
Drawbacks:
- Higher cost: Higher octane fuels are more expensive.
- Not necessary for most engines: Most lawn mower engines are not designed to benefit from higher octane fuels.
Non-Ethanol Gasoline
Non-ethanol gasoline is a popular choice for small engines. It avoids the problems associated with ethanol, such as corrosion and fuel degradation.
Benefits:
- Improved engine performance: Non-ethanol gasoline can provide better fuel efficiency and engine performance.
- Reduced maintenance: It can reduce the frequency of engine maintenance, such as cleaning the carburetor.
- Longer storage life: Non-ethanol gasoline is more stable and has a longer shelf life.
Drawbacks:
- Higher cost: Non-ethanol gasoline is typically more expensive than regular gasoline.
- Limited availability: It may not be readily available at all gas stations.
Fuel Additives
Fuel additives can help improve gas quality and protect your engine.
Fuel Stabilizer
Fuel stabilizer prevents fuel from deteriorating and forming gum and varnish, which can clog fuel lines and carburetors. It’s especially important to use a fuel stabilizer if you’re storing your lawn mower for an extended period.
Detergent Additive
Detergent additives clean fuel injectors and help prevent gum and varnish buildup. They can improve fuel economy and engine performance.
Tips for Choosing and Using Gasoline for Your Lawn Mower
- Check your owner’s manual: The owner’s manual for your lawn mower will specify the recommended gasoline type and octane rating.
- Use fresh gasoline: Avoid using gasoline that has been sitting in your gas can for more than 30 days.
- Use a fuel stabilizer: Use a fuel stabilizer, especially if you’re storing your lawn mower for an extended period.
- Avoid mixing gasoline and oil: Never mix gasoline and oil. This can damage your engine.
- Store gasoline properly: Store gasoline in a properly sealed container in a cool, dry place.
Conclusion
Choosing the right gas for your lawn mower is essential for optimal performance and engine longevity. While 87 octane unleaded gasoline is often sufficient, consider non-ethanol gasoline or fuel additives for added protection and performance. Always check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations and use fresh, stable gasoline for the best results. Remember, a well-maintained lawn mower is a happy lawn mower!
FAQ
What gas should I use for my lawn mower?
The best gas for your lawn mower is 87 octane unleaded gasoline, also known as regular gas. While premium gas may seem like a better option, it’s not necessary for most lawn mowers. Your owner’s manual should specify the recommended octane level for your specific mower. Using higher octane gas won’t harm your mower but won’t provide any additional benefits either.
It’s also crucial to use fresh gas, as old gas can cause problems like engine sputtering and difficulty starting. Try to use gas that’s less than 30 days old. Adding a fuel stabilizer can help extend the shelf life of gas and prevent it from going bad.
Does it matter what kind of gas I use?
Yes, the type of gas you use can impact your lawn mower’s performance and lifespan. Using the wrong type of gas can lead to engine problems, reduced fuel efficiency, and even damage to your mower.
For most modern lawn mowers, regular unleaded gas is sufficient. However, it’s essential to consult your owner’s manual for the recommended octane level. Using lower octane gas than recommended could cause knocking or pinging, potentially damaging your engine.
Can I use E10 gas in my lawn mower?
E10 gas, which contains 10% ethanol, is generally acceptable for most lawn mowers. However, it’s crucial to check your owner’s manual to confirm compatibility. Some older mowers may not be designed to handle E10 and could experience engine problems.
If you’re unsure about your mower’s compatibility, it’s best to use regular unleaded gas, which typically has lower ethanol content. Ethanol can attract moisture, leading to phase separation in gas tanks, which can clog fuel lines and damage your mower.
Should I use ethanol-free gas in my lawn mower?
Ethanol-free gas is a good option for lawn mowers, particularly older models. It’s less likely to cause problems like phase separation and can help extend the life of your mower. However, it’s often more expensive and not readily available in all areas.
If you’re using your lawn mower infrequently, ethanol-free gas is a good choice. It will help prevent fuel from going bad and minimize the risk of engine problems. But if you use your mower frequently and can easily access regular unleaded gas, it’s not necessarily a necessity.
Can I add oil to my gas tank?
Adding oil to your gas tank is a common misconception and should be avoided. This practice can actually damage your mower’s engine. Oil and gas do not mix well, and adding them together can create a gummy residue that can clog fuel lines and damage fuel injectors.
Stick to using pure gas in your mower’s tank, and always ensure you’re using the correct type of oil for your engine. Consult your owner’s manual for specific recommendations on oil type and frequency of oil changes.
How often should I change the gas in my lawn mower?
It’s recommended to change the gas in your lawn mower every 30 days to prevent it from going bad. Old gas can cause problems like engine sputtering, difficulty starting, and even damage to your mower’s fuel system.
If you’re not using your mower frequently, you can add a fuel stabilizer to help extend the shelf life of the gas. Fuel stabilizers help prevent the gas from degrading and forming deposits that can damage your engine.
What are some tips for storing gas for my lawn mower?
When storing gas for your lawn mower, it’s essential to use a clean, airtight container and avoid exposure to sunlight and heat. Ideally, store gas in a cool, dry place. Adding a fuel stabilizer can help extend the shelf life of gas and prevent it from going bad.
If you’re storing gas for an extended period, it’s best to use ethanol-free gas, as it’s less likely to degrade over time. Remember to label the container clearly and follow all safety guidelines when handling gasoline.