The warm weather is here, and your lawn is starting to grow. You pull out your trusty lawn mower, ready to tame the green beast. But before you fire it up, you have one crucial question: what kind of gas should you put in it?
This article will help you understand the different types of gasoline available, their impact on your mower, and the best fuel for your specific needs. Weโll also explore some common myths about gas and offer tips for storing and using gasoline safely.
The Short Answer: Most modern lawn mowers can run on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. However, some high-performance mowers may require premium gas with a higher octane rating.
Understanding Gasoline and Its Impact on Your Lawn Mower
Gasoline is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, and its quality can significantly affect the performance and longevity of your lawn mower engine. The most important factor to consider is the octane rating.
What is Octane Rating?
Octane rating measures a gasolineโs resistance to knocking or pre-ignition. Knocking occurs when the fuel ignites prematurely in the combustion chamber, causing a loud knocking sound and potentially damaging the engine.
Higher octane fuels have a higher resistance to knocking, which is important in engines with high compression ratios. This is because the compressed air in the combustion chamber heats up, making it more susceptible to pre-ignition.
Regular Unleaded vs. Premium Unleaded
- Regular Unleaded: This is the most common type of gasoline and typically has an octane rating of 87. Itโs suitable for most standard lawn mowers with lower compression ratios.
- Premium Unleaded: This gas has a higher octane rating (typically 91 or higher) and is designed for engines with higher compression ratios. While premium gas can provide slightly better performance and fuel efficiency, itโs not necessary for most lawn mowers.
The Myth of Ethanol
You might hear that ethanol-blended gasoline is bad for your lawn mower. While itโs true that ethanol can absorb water, which can lead to corrosion and engine problems, modern lawn mower engines are designed to handle low levels of ethanol.
However, itโs still a good idea to use gasoline with a lower ethanol content (like E10, which has 10% ethanol) or to store your mower with a full tank of gasoline treated with a fuel stabilizer.
Choosing the Right Gasoline for Your Lawn Mower
The type of gasoline you should use depends on the specific requirements of your mower.
Check Your Ownerโs Manual
The best resource for determining the correct fuel for your lawn mower is your ownerโs manual. It will clearly state the recommended octane rating and whether or not ethanol-blended gasoline is acceptable.
Consider Your Mowerโs Age and Performance
- Older Mowers: If your mower is older or has been sitting for a while, itโs best to use regular unleaded gasoline with a low ethanol content. This helps prevent fuel-related problems.
- High-Performance Mowers: If you have a high-performance lawn mower with a powerful engine, it might benefit from using premium unleaded gas.
Tips for Storing and Using Gasoline Safely
- Store Gasoline Properly: Always store gasoline in a well-ventilated area away from heat and open flames. Use approved containers with a tight seal.
- Avoid Mixing Gasolines: Never mix different types of gasoline, as this can affect engine performance and fuel efficiency.
- Use Fresh Gasoline: Gasoline can degrade over time, especially if it contains ethanol. Try to use fresh gas and avoid storing it for extended periods.
- Dispose of Gasoline Safely: Never pour gasoline down the drain or into the ground. Contact your local waste disposal authority for proper disposal methods.
Conclusion
Choosing the right gasoline for your lawn mower is essential for its performance and longevity. Most modern mowers will run smoothly on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. However, always check your ownerโs manual and consider the age and performance of your mower to ensure youโre using the appropriate fuel. By following these tips and storing gasoline safely, you can keep your lawn mower running smoothly all season long.
FAQs
What type of gas should I use in my lawn mower?
Most lawn mowers require regular unleaded gasoline, also known as 87 octane. This is the most common type of gasoline available at gas stations. You should avoid using higher octane gasoline, such as 89 or 91 octane, as it is not necessary for your lawn mower and can actually be harmful.
Itโs crucial to use fresh gas in your lawn mower. Gasoline can start to degrade after 30 days, leading to problems with your engine. If you have a large lawn and go through a lot of gas, consider adding a fuel stabilizer to your gas tank. This will help to prevent the gas from degrading and will extend its shelf life.
What if I accidentally put the wrong gas in my lawn mower?
Itโs important to note that different types of gasoline are not compatible with each other. If you accidentally put the wrong gas in your lawn mower, itโs crucial to drain the tank and refill it with the correct type of fuel.
Trying to run your lawn mower with the wrong gas can cause damage to the engine and lead to expensive repairs. If youโre unsure about what type of gas to use, always check the ownerโs manual for your specific lawn mower.
Can I use ethanol-free gasoline in my lawn mower?
Ethanol-free gasoline is a good option for lawn mowers because it does not contain ethanol, which can damage the engine over time. Ethanol can absorb moisture, which can lead to corrosion and other problems in your lawn mowerโs fuel system.
However, ethanol-free gasoline is often more expensive and can be difficult to find. If youโre unsure about whether or not to use ethanol-free gas, consult your lawn mowerโs ownerโs manual.
What about using diesel fuel in a lawn mower?
Diesel fuel is not designed for gasoline engines and using it in your lawn mower will cause serious damage. The fuel systems and engines of gasoline and diesel-powered machines are different and cannot be interchanged.
Using diesel fuel in a gasoline engine will result in engine damage and potentially require costly repairs or a replacement engine. Stick to regular unleaded gasoline for your lawn mower.
Can I use E10 gasoline in my lawn mower?
E10 gasoline, which contains 10% ethanol, is generally fine to use in most lawn mowers. However, some older models may not be compatible with E10 and you should check your ownerโs manual for specific recommendations.
If youโre unsure, itโs always best to err on the side of caution and use ethanol-free gasoline. Itโs also a good idea to use a fuel stabilizer if you are using E10 gas, as it can degrade more quickly than regular gasoline.
Is it okay to use old gas in my lawn mower?
Old gas can cause problems with your lawn mowerโs engine. As gasoline ages, it loses its volatility and can gum up your fuel system. This can lead to difficulty starting your mower, reduced performance, and even engine damage.
Itโs best to use fresh gas in your lawn mower whenever possible. If you have any doubts, itโs better to drain and refill the tank with fresh gas.
Why is it important to use the right gas in my lawn mower?
Using the correct type of gasoline is essential for the smooth operation and longevity of your lawn mower. The wrong type of fuel can cause damage to the engine and fuel system, leading to costly repairs or even replacement.
Itโs always best to consult your lawn mowerโs ownerโs manual for specific recommendations on the type of gas to use. If you are unsure, itโs always better to err on the side of caution and use a higher-quality fuel that is specifically designed for lawn mowers.