The sweet smell of freshly cut grass is a quintessential summer experience. But before you can enjoy that aroma, you need to get your lawnmower running. And that means figuring out what kind of fuel to use. With so many different options available, it’s easy to get confused. Should you use regular gasoline, premium gas, or something else entirely? This article will guide you through the world of lawnmower fuels, exploring the different types available, their advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for your mower.
In short, most lawnmowers are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline, with an octane rating of 87 or 89. However, some high-performance models or older mowers may require a higher octane rating.
Understanding Octane Ratings
Octane rating is a measure of a gasoline’s resistance to knocking or pinging, which is a harmful detonation that can damage your engine. Higher octane fuels are more resistant to knocking, which is why they are often recommended for high-performance engines that operate at higher compression ratios.
Octane Ratings Explained
- Regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane): This is the most common type of gasoline and is suitable for most lawnmowers.
- Mid-grade gasoline (89 octane): This option falls between regular and premium and can offer slightly better performance in some engines.
- Premium gasoline (91 octane or higher): This fuel is designed for high-performance engines that run at high compression ratios.
Is Premium Gas Worth It for My Lawn Mower?
While using premium gasoline might seem like a good idea to protect your mower, it’s generally unnecessary. Most lawnmower engines are designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded gasoline. Using premium fuel in a mower designed for regular gas won’t provide any noticeable benefits and could actually waste your money.
The Potential Downside of Premium Gas
While using premium gas in a regular mower won’t harm it, it might not be the best choice. Here’s why:
- Cost: Premium gas is typically more expensive than regular gas. Using it when it’s not needed is a waste of money.
- Performance: You won’t notice any difference in performance by using premium gas in a regular mower.
Should You Use Ethanol-Free Gasoline?
Ethanol is a biofuel that is often added to gasoline to improve its environmental performance. However, ethanol can be problematic for small engines like those found in lawnmowers.
The Issues with Ethanol
- Corrosion: Ethanol can corrode fuel lines and other engine components over time.
- Fuel Separation: Ethanol can attract water, which can cause fuel to separate and clog fuel lines.
- Engine Performance: Ethanol can reduce fuel efficiency and performance in some small engines.
The Benefits of Ethanol-Free Gas
- Better Storage: Ethanol-free gas is less prone to degradation over time, making it a better choice for long-term storage.
- Improved Engine Longevity: By reducing corrosion and fuel separation, ethanol-free gas can extend the life of your lawnmower engine.
What to Do When You Can’t Find Ethanol-Free Gas
If you can’t find ethanol-free gasoline, you can use regular gas with ethanol. However, it’s important to use fuel stabilizer to help prevent corrosion and degradation.
Using Fuel Stabilizer
- Purpose: Fuel stabilizer slows down the breakdown of gasoline, extending its shelf life and preventing corrosion.
- Usage: Add fuel stabilizer to your gas tank before storing your mower for extended periods.
Understanding Your Owner’s Manual
The most reliable source of information about the type of gas your lawnmower needs is your owner’s manual.
Why the Manual Matters
- Engine Specifications: Your owner’s manual provides specific information about your mower’s engine, including the recommended fuel type.
- Maintenance Tips: The manual will offer guidance on how to properly maintain your mower, including fuel storage and usage tips.
Storing Your Lawn Mower
Proper fuel storage is crucial for ensuring your lawnmower starts smoothly when you need it.
Storage Tips:
- Empty the Tank: For long-term storage, it’s best to empty the fuel tank completely.
- Use Fuel Stabilizer: If you’re not emptying the tank, add fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel degradation and corrosion.
- Clean the Fuel Lines: Before storing, consider running the mower until it’s empty to flush out any old fuel.
- Store in a Dry Place: Protect your mower from moisture to prevent corrosion and fuel issues.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Fuel
While it’s tempting to think premium gasoline will give your lawnmower a boost, most mowers are designed to run perfectly fine on regular unleaded gas. The best way to ensure you’re using the correct fuel is to consult your owner’s manual. And remember, proper fuel storage is essential to keep your lawnmower running smoothly season after season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between regular gasoline and premium gasoline?
Regular gasoline has a lower octane rating than premium gasoline. This means it is less resistant to knocking or pinging, which can happen in engines that run at high compression ratios. Most lawn mowers are designed to run on regular gasoline, and using premium gasoline will not provide any benefits.
In fact, using premium gasoline in a lawn mower that is designed for regular gasoline can actually be harmful. The higher octane rating of premium gasoline can cause the engine to run too lean, which can lead to overheating and damage.
What is the octane rating of gasoline?
The octane rating of gasoline is a measure of its resistance to knocking or pinging. A higher octane rating means the gasoline is more resistant to knocking. The octane rating is typically listed on the gasoline pump.
For example, gasoline that is rated 87 octane is less resistant to knocking than gasoline that is rated 91 octane. Most lawn mowers are designed to run on gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or 89.
Can I use ethanol-free gasoline in my lawn mower?
Ethanol-free gasoline is a good choice for lawn mowers because it is less likely to cause problems with the fuel system. Ethanol can absorb moisture from the air, which can lead to condensation in the fuel tank and carburetor. This can cause the fuel to become contaminated and clog the fuel system.
Ethanol-free gasoline is also less likely to evaporate than gasoline that contains ethanol. This means that your lawn mower will be less likely to experience problems with starting or running after it has been stored for a long period of time.
Should I add stabilizer to my lawn mower gas?
Yes, you should add stabilizer to your lawn mower gas if you are going to store it for more than a month. Stabilizer helps to prevent the gasoline from degrading and becoming unusable. It also helps to prevent the formation of varnish and gum in the fuel system.
When you add stabilizer to your lawn mower gas, make sure that you follow the instructions on the bottle carefully. Too much stabilizer can actually damage your lawn mower’s fuel system.
How often should I change the gas in my lawn mower?
It is a good idea to change the gas in your lawn mower every few months, even if you don’t use it very often. This is because gasoline can degrade over time, even if it is stored properly. Degraded gasoline can cause problems with your lawn mower’s fuel system.
If you are storing your lawn mower for a long period of time, you should also add stabilizer to the gas to help prevent it from degrading.
What happens if I put the wrong type of gas in my lawn mower?
Putting the wrong type of gas in your lawn mower can cause several problems. For example, if you put premium gas in a lawn mower that is designed for regular gas, it could cause the engine to run too lean, leading to overheating and damage.
On the other hand, using regular gas in a lawn mower that requires premium gas could lead to knocking or pinging, which can also damage the engine. Always check your lawn mower’s owner’s manual to determine the correct type of gas to use.
What are some other tips for using gas in a lawn mower?
Here are a few more tips for using gas in your lawn mower:
- Always use fresh gasoline. Do not use gasoline that has been sitting in a container for a long time.
- Do not overfill the gas tank. This could lead to a spill.
- Keep the gas cap tightly closed. This will help to prevent evaporation.
- Store your lawn mower in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent the fuel from degrading.