The warm weather is finally here, and you’re ready to tackle your overgrown lawn. But before you fire up your trusty lawn mower, there’s a crucial question to consider: what kind of gas should you use? Choosing the right fuel can significantly impact your mower’s performance, longevity, and even your wallet. This article will delve into the world of lawn mower fuel, exploring the different types available, their pros and cons, and ultimately, help you determine the best gas for your specific needs.
In short, the best gas for your lawn mower is typically regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. Avoid using gasoline that is too old or contains ethanol, as both can lead to engine problems.
Understanding Gasoline for Lawn Mowers
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s understand the basic components of gasoline and their relevance to lawn mower performance.
Octane Rating: A Measure of Knock Resistance
The octane rating of gasoline is a measure of its resistance to knocking or pinging. Higher octane gasoline is less prone to knocking, which is an uncontrolled explosion within the combustion chamber that can damage your engine. While higher octane fuel offers some benefits, it’s not always necessary for lawn mowers.
Ethanol: A Fuel Additive with Mixed Results
Ethanol is a biofuel often blended with gasoline. While it’s touted as a renewable and environmentally friendly option, ethanol can have drawbacks. It attracts water, leading to phase separation in the fuel tank and potential engine damage. Additionally, ethanol can cause corrosion in older fuel lines and carburetors.
Storage and Age: The Importance of Fresh Fuel
Gasoline deteriorates over time, becoming less volatile and less efficient. This process is accelerated by exposure to sunlight, heat, and air. Old gasoline can gum up your lawn mower’s fuel system and cause starting problems. It’s best to use gasoline that is no more than 30 days old.
Types of Gasoline for Lawn Mowers
Regular Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane)
- Pros: Most affordable option, readily available at most gas stations.
- Cons: May not provide optimal performance in high-performance mowers.
- Best For: Most standard, everyday lawn mowers.
Mid-Grade Unleaded Gasoline (89 Octane)
- Pros: Offers slightly better performance than 87 octane, potentially extending engine life.
- Cons: More expensive than regular unleaded.
- Best For: Mowers with high-performance engines.
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or Higher)
- Pros: Provides the highest level of knock resistance, optimal performance for high-performance engines.
- Cons: Most expensive option, often unnecessary for standard lawn mowers.
- Best For: High-performance mowers with high compression ratios.
Should I Use Ethanol-Free Gas?
Ethanol-free gas is a popular choice for lawn mower owners, especially those with older mowers or those who store their equipment for extended periods. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:
Advantages of Ethanol-Free Gas
- Reduced engine corrosion: Ethanol can corrode metal parts in your fuel system, leading to performance issues. Ethanol-free gas minimizes this risk.
- Longer storage life: Ethanol-free gas remains stable for a longer period, reducing the risk of fuel degradation.
- Improved engine performance: Some users report better performance and starting with ethanol-free gas.
Disadvantages of Ethanol-Free Gas
- Higher cost: Ethanol-free gas is generally more expensive than regular gas.
- Limited availability: Not all gas stations carry ethanol-free gas, making it harder to find.
The Verdict:
While ethanol-free gas offers some clear benefits, it’s not a necessity for all lawn mowers. If you have an older mower or store your equipment for long periods, using ethanol-free gas can be a wise choice. However, for everyday lawn care, regular unleaded gas with an octane rating of 87 or higher is usually sufficient.
Tips for Maintaining Fuel Quality
- Use a fuel stabilizer: If you plan to store your mower for an extended period, consider adding a fuel stabilizer to your gas tank. This helps prevent fuel degradation and keeps your engine running smoothly.
- Fill your tank before storage: Leaving a partially filled tank allows condensation to form, leading to potential fuel problems. Fill the tank to the brim before storage.
- Store your mower properly: Store your mower in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. This helps maintain fuel quality and prevent rust.
Fuel-Related Problems: Identifying the Source
If you’re experiencing problems with your lawn mower, such as starting issues or poor performance, consider whether fuel quality might be the culprit. Here are some common signs of fuel-related problems:
- Engine sputtering: Old gasoline can cause sputtering or misfiring.
- Difficulty starting: Stale fuel can make starting your mower difficult.
- Fuel leaks: Old gasoline can damage fuel lines, leading to leaks.
- Engine damage: In severe cases, poor fuel quality can lead to engine damage.
Conclusion: Choose the Right Fuel for Your Mower
Choosing the right gas for your lawn mower is essential for optimal performance, engine longevity, and peace of mind. While regular unleaded gas with an octane rating of 87 or higher is usually sufficient, using ethanol-free gas or a fuel stabilizer can be beneficial for certain situations. By understanding the pros and cons of different fuel types and following proper storage guidelines, you can ensure that your lawn mower runs smoothly and efficiently for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of gasoline should I use in my lawnmower?
The best type of gasoline for your lawnmower is regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. This is the most common type of gasoline available, and it provides enough power for most lawnmowers. Avoid using premium gasoline, as it’s not necessary for most lawnmowers and will actually waste money.
You should also make sure the gasoline is fresh and clean. Avoid using gasoline that has been sitting in your gas can for more than a month, as it can degrade and damage your lawnmower engine.
Can I use ethanol-blended gasoline in my lawnmower?
Ethanol-blended gasoline is generally not recommended for lawnmowers. While it’s a common fuel for cars, it can cause problems in lawnmower engines, including:
- Damage to fuel lines and other parts. Ethanol can absorb water, which can corrode fuel lines and other parts.
- Hard starting. Ethanol can evaporate quickly, leaving behind a sticky residue that can clog fuel lines and make starting difficult.
- Reduced engine performance. Ethanol can reduce the power output of your lawnmower engine.
What is the best way to store gasoline for my lawnmower?
The best way to store gasoline for your lawnmower is in a clean, airtight container in a cool, dry place. It is important to keep gasoline away from any sources of heat or flame.
You should also avoid storing gasoline for too long. Gasoline can degrade over time, so it’s best to use it within a month of purchasing it. If you need to store gasoline for longer than that, you can use a gasoline stabilizer.
Should I use a fuel additive in my lawnmower?
Using a fuel additive in your lawnmower can help to prevent engine problems. There are many different types of fuel additives on the market, but some of the most common benefits include:
- Preventing fuel system gum and varnish. Fuel additives can help to clean and lubricate your fuel system, preventing gum and varnish buildup that can cause problems with starting and running.
- Improving fuel economy. Some fuel additives can improve fuel economy by helping your engine to burn fuel more efficiently.
- Protecting against corrosion. Fuel additives can help to prevent corrosion in your fuel system, especially if you’re using gasoline with ethanol.
What is the difference between 87, 89, and 91 octane gasoline?
Octane rating is a measure of a gasoline’s resistance to knocking or pinging. Higher octane gasolines are more resistant to knocking than lower octane gasolines. While higher octane gasolines may be better for some engines, they are not necessary for most lawnmowers. Using a higher octane gasoline than recommended will not improve performance and will only waste money.
Should I use the same gasoline in my car and my lawnmower?
You can use the same type of gasoline in your car and your lawnmower, but you should always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific lawnmower. The best gasoline for your lawnmower will depend on the model and year of manufacture.
How often should I change the gasoline in my lawnmower?
You should change the gasoline in your lawnmower every 30 days. Gasoline can degrade over time, even if it’s stored properly, and this can cause problems with starting and running.
It’s also a good idea to empty the fuel tank before storing your lawnmower for the winter. This will help to prevent fuel from going bad and damaging your engine.