The warm weather is here, and that means it’s time to get your lawn mower out of storage and get those blades spinning. But before you fire up the engine, you need to make sure you’re using the right oil. The wrong type of oil can lead to engine problems, so choosing the correct oil for your push lawn mower is crucial. This article will guide you through the essentials of choosing the right oil for your push lawn mower, covering everything from understanding oil types to finding the right viscosity and brand.
In short, most push lawn mowers use SAE 30 oil during the warmer months and SAE 5W-30 for cooler weather. You can find the specific oil recommendation in your owner’s manual.
Understanding Oil Types
Before you head to the store to buy oil, you need to understand the different types available. Most push lawn mowers use conventional motor oil, a type made from crude oil and refined using various processes. There are also synthetic oils, which are manufactured in a lab and are generally more expensive but offer better performance and longevity.
What is Motor Oil Viscosity?
Viscosity refers to the oil’s thickness or resistance to flow. It’s crucial to use oil with the correct viscosity for your engine. Using oil that’s too thick can cause the engine to struggle to start, while oil that’s too thin won’t provide adequate lubrication, leading to wear and tear.
Understanding SAE Oil Grades
SAE stands for Society of Automotive Engineers. The SAE grade indicates an oil’s viscosity at different temperatures. For example, SAE 30 oil is considered a “single-grade” oil, meaning it has the same viscosity at both high and low temperatures.
Here’s how to interpret SAE oil grades:
- Lower numbers (like 5W) indicate thinner oil for cold temperatures.
- Higher numbers (like 30) indicate thicker oil for warmer temperatures.
Multi-Grade Oils
Multi-grade oils, like SAE 5W-30, offer the best of both worlds. They use a blend of different viscosity oils, making them suitable for a wider range of temperatures. In this case, the 5W (winter) indicates thin viscosity for cold weather, and the 30 (summer) indicates thicker viscosity for warmer temperatures.
Choosing the Right Oil for Your Push Lawn Mower
Now that you understand the basics of oil, it’s time to choose the right oil for your push lawn mower. Here’s how:
1. Refer to Your Owner’s Manual
The best source of information about the oil your mower requires is your owner’s manual. It will specify the exact oil type, viscosity, and any other recommendations.
2. Consider Your Location and Climate
If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, consider using a multi-grade oil. For example, if your climate experiences hot summers and cold winters, SAE 5W-30 is a good choice.
3. Look for API-Certified Oil
The American Petroleum Institute (API) certifies motor oils to ensure they meet certain performance standards. Look for the API certification on the oil bottle to guarantee you’re buying quality oil.
Choosing a Brand
When choosing a brand of oil, consider the following:
- Reputation: Stick with well-known brands with a solid reputation for quality.
- Price: There’s a wide range of prices for motor oil. Choose a brand that fits your budget without sacrificing quality.
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower
Using the correct oil is just one part of keeping your lawn mower running smoothly. Here are some additional maintenance tips:
- Regularly change the oil. The frequency of oil changes depends on your mower’s usage and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Keep the air filter clean. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and cause engine problems.
- Inspect the spark plug. A worn spark plug can hinder ignition and performance.
- Replace the blades when necessary. Dull or damaged blades can make mowing difficult and inefficient.
Conclusion
Choosing the right oil for your push lawn mower is crucial for maintaining its performance and longevity. By understanding the different oil types, viscosities, and brands available, you can make an informed choice and keep your mower running smoothly throughout the season. Remember to always refer to your owner’s manual for specific oil recommendations, and don’t forget to perform regular maintenance to keep your mower in top shape. With a little care and attention, your push lawn mower will keep your lawn looking its best for years to come.
FAQ
What oil goes in a push lawn mower?
The type of oil you use in your push lawn mower depends on the engine. Most modern push mowers use a small four-stroke gasoline engine. For these engines, you should use a high-quality 10W-30 or 10W-40 motor oil. This type of oil is readily available at most auto parts stores and hardware stores.
You can also use synthetic oil in your push lawn mower, which can provide better protection and performance, but it is more expensive. You should always refer to your owner’s manual for specific recommendations on the type and viscosity of oil to use in your lawn mower.
What type of oil should I use for a Briggs & Stratton engine?
Briggs & Stratton is a popular manufacturer of small engines for lawn mowers. For Briggs & Stratton engines, you should use a high-quality 10W-30 or 10W-40 motor oil. If your lawn mower is older or is used in extreme temperatures, you may want to use a different weight oil.
For example, if you live in a very hot climate, you may want to use a 20W-50 oil. If you live in a very cold climate, you may want to use a 5W-30 oil. Always consult your owner’s manual for specific recommendations for your Briggs & Stratton engine.
What is the difference between SAE 30 and 10W-30 oil?
SAE 30 oil is a single-grade oil, while 10W-30 is a multi-grade oil. SAE 30 oil is thicker than 10W-30 oil and is typically used in older engines or engines that are not frequently used. 10W-30 oil is thinner than SAE 30 oil and is suitable for a wider range of temperatures.
Multi-grade oils are designed to flow easily in cold weather and provide adequate lubrication in hot weather. It is important to note that the “W” in 10W-30 stands for “winter” and indicates the oil’s viscosity at cold temperatures. The second number, 30, indicates the oil’s viscosity at hot temperatures.
Can I use car oil in my lawn mower?
While you can technically use car oil in your lawn mower, it’s not always the best choice. Car oils are often formulated for higher-performance engines and may contain additives that are not necessary for lawn mower engines.
Additionally, car oils may be thicker than the recommended oil for your lawn mower, which can lead to engine problems. It is always best to use the oil that is specifically recommended for your lawn mower in your owner’s manual.
How often should I change the oil in my push lawn mower?
You should change the oil in your push lawn mower every 25 hours of operation or once per year, whichever comes first. If you only use your lawn mower a few times a year, you may only need to change the oil once every two years.
However, it is always a good idea to check the oil level and condition regularly to ensure that it is clean and full. If you notice that the oil is dirty or low, you should change it as soon as possible.
What happens if I use the wrong oil in my lawn mower?
Using the wrong oil in your lawn mower can lead to several problems, including:
- Engine damage: The wrong type of oil can cause excessive wear and tear on the engine parts, leading to premature engine failure.
- Increased fuel consumption: Thicker oils can create more friction, which can lead to increased fuel consumption.
- Reduced engine performance: The wrong type of oil can affect the engine’s performance, making it sluggish and difficult to start.
How do I change the oil in my push lawn mower?
Changing the oil in your push lawn mower is a relatively simple process. You will need:
- A drain pan
- A wrench or socket to remove the drain plug
- New oil
-
A funnel
-
Warm up the engine for a few minutes. This will make the oil thinner and easier to drain.
- Place the drain pan under the engine and remove the drain plug.
- Allow the oil to drain completely.
- Replace the drain plug.
- Remove the oil dipstick and pour new oil into the engine until it reaches the full mark on the dipstick.
- Replace the dipstick.
You should always refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to change the oil in your particular lawn mower model.