The smell of freshly cut grass, the warm sun on your back, and the satisfying hum of your lawnmower – these are the hallmarks of a perfect summer day. But before you can enjoy that perfect cut, you need to fuel your mower. And that brings us to the question: what kind of gas should you use? With so many options on the market, it can be confusing. This guide will walk you through the different types of gasoline, explain why choosing the right one is important, and provide tips for keeping your mower running smoothly all season long.
In short, the best gas for your lawnmower is regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. While you can use premium gasoline, it won’t provide any noticeable benefit for your lawnmower. Avoid using gasoline with ethanol, as it can cause problems with your engine over time.
Why the Right Gas Matters
Using the right fuel for your lawnmower is crucial for several reasons:
1. Performance and Longevity
Using the wrong type of gas can lead to:
- Reduced power and performance: Your mower might struggle to start or run at full power, making your mowing tasks more difficult and time-consuming.
- Premature engine wear: Low-quality gas can lead to deposits forming inside your engine, causing friction and ultimately leading to engine damage.
- Shortened lifespan: Using the wrong gas can significantly reduce the lifespan of your mower, requiring more frequent repairs or even a premature replacement.
2. Environmental Impact
Using the wrong gas can have negative environmental consequences:
- Increased emissions: Low-quality gasoline can lead to increased emissions of harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.
- Fuel spills and leaks: Improper fuel storage and handling can lead to accidental spills or leaks, contaminating soil and water sources.
Types of Gasoline and Their Impact on Lawn Mowers
Let’s take a look at the common types of gasoline and how they affect your lawnmower:
1. Regular Unleaded Gasoline
- Octane Rating: 87 or higher
- Key Features: The most readily available and affordable option. Provides sufficient power for most lawnmowers.
- Suitable for: Most gasoline-powered lawnmowers.
- Considerations: May not offer the best fuel efficiency or performance in high-performance mowers.
2. Premium Unleaded Gasoline
- Octane Rating: 91 or higher
- Key Features: Higher octane rating, designed for high-performance engines.
- Suitable for: High-performance lawnmowers and mowers that are prone to knocking or pinging.
- Considerations: More expensive than regular unleaded and may not offer noticeable benefits for most lawnmowers.
3. Ethanol-Blended Gasoline
- Octane Rating: 87 or higher, with varying ethanol percentages.
- Key Features: Blends of gasoline with ethanol, a renewable fuel source. Lower costs than pure gasoline.
- Suitable for: Some lawnmowers, but not all.
- Considerations: Can cause issues with older mowers, including:
- Fuel lines and carburetor damage: Ethanol can corrode rubber fuel lines and damage carburetor parts.
- Phase separation: Ethanol can separate from gasoline, forming water droplets that can clog fuel lines and damage engines.
4. Pre-Mixed Gasoline
- Key Features: Gasoline and oil pre-mixed in the correct ratio. Convenient for two-stroke engines.
- Suitable for: Two-stroke engines, such as weed trimmers and chainsaws.
- Considerations: Should not be used in four-stroke lawnmowers.
Tips for Choosing the Right Gas for Your Lawn Mower
Here are some tips to ensure you choose the right gasoline for your lawnmower:
-
Check Your Owner’s Manual: The best source of information about the type of gas your lawnmower requires is your owner’s manual.
-
Look for the Octane Rating: Ensure the gasoline you choose has an octane rating of 87 or higher.
-
Avoid Ethanol: If your lawnmower is older, avoid gasoline with ethanol blends. Choose pure gasoline or look for “ethanol-free” options.
-
Store Gasoline Properly: Store gasoline in a well-ventilated area away from heat and open flames. Use a fuel stabilizer to prevent gasoline from going bad.
Keeping Your Lawn Mower Running Smoothly
Using the right gasoline is just one part of the equation for a long-lasting and efficient lawnmower. Here are some additional tips for keeping your mower in top shape:
- Regular Maintenance: Perform regular maintenance, including oil changes, air filter replacement, and blade sharpening.
- Clean Fuel System: Clean your fuel system regularly to prevent fuel deposits and blockages.
- Use a Fuel Stabilizer: Add a fuel stabilizer to your gas tank when storing your mower for extended periods.
Conclusion
Choosing the right gasoline for your lawnmower is crucial for maximizing its performance, extending its lifespan, and protecting the environment. By understanding the different types of gas available and following these tips, you can ensure your mower is ready to tackle your next mowing job. Remember to consult your owner’s manual for specific recommendations and to always prioritize the use of high-quality, fresh gasoline. Happy mowing!
FAQ
1. Why can’t I just use regular gasoline in my lawnmower?
While it might seem like a simple solution, using regular gasoline in your lawnmower isn’t recommended. Regular gasoline often contains ethanol, which can attract moisture and cause problems like fuel line corrosion and engine damage. Ethanol can also break down the rubber and plastic components of your lawnmower’s fuel system over time.
Instead, opt for gasoline specifically labeled as “gasoline for small engines” or “non-ethanol gasoline.” These blends are formulated to be less prone to the issues associated with ethanol, ensuring smoother operation and better longevity for your mower.
2. How often should I change the gas in my lawnmower?
It’s generally recommended to use up any remaining gasoline in your lawnmower within 30 days. After that, the fuel starts to degrade and can lead to engine problems.
To avoid this, consider using a fuel stabilizer when storing your mower for extended periods. This additive helps prevent the gasoline from going bad and extends its usable lifespan.
3. What’s the difference between 87 octane and 89 octane gasoline for my lawnmower?
While some people believe that higher octane gasoline offers better performance for their lawnmowers, this isn’t necessarily true. Most lawnmower engines are designed to run on regular 87 octane gasoline.
Using higher octane fuel won’t harm your engine, but it won’t offer any noticeable benefit either. Stick with the recommended octane level specified in your lawnmower’s manual.
4. Can I use fuel from my car in my lawnmower?
While using gasoline from your car might seem convenient, it’s generally not a good idea for your lawnmower. Car gasoline often contains additives designed for car engines, which can be detrimental to the smaller, more sensitive components of a lawnmower engine.
It’s always best to use gasoline specifically formulated for small engines.
5. Should I mix gas and oil for my lawnmower?
Many newer lawnmowers use 4-cycle engines, which require separate oil and gasoline tanks. These engines are lubricated by the oil that’s poured directly into the engine, so mixing oil and gas is unnecessary and can even damage the engine.
Older 2-cycle lawnmowers, on the other hand, require a specific ratio of oil and gasoline to be pre-mixed before filling the tank. Refer to your owner’s manual for the correct oil-to-gas ratio for your particular mower.
6. What kind of fuel stabilizer should I use?
Fuel stabilizers come in various forms, but most commonly as liquids. When choosing a fuel stabilizer, make sure it’s specifically designed for gasoline and safe for small engines.
Read the product instructions carefully to ensure proper usage and dosage for your lawnmower’s fuel tank.
7. Can I use diesel fuel in my lawnmower?
No, using diesel fuel in a gasoline lawnmower is absolutely not recommended. Diesel engines are designed to operate with diesel fuel, which has a different chemical composition and ignition properties than gasoline.
Trying to run a gasoline engine on diesel will result in serious engine damage and is never a good idea.