The crisp air bites, the leaves have long fallen, and your riding lawn mower sits patiently, awaiting the return of spring. But is it safe to simply leave it outside, exposed to the harsh realities of winter? The answer, as with many things, is nuanced. While technically “yes,” you can leave it outside, the better question is: should you? And if so, what precautions should you take to protect your investment? This guide provides a comprehensive look at the factors to consider and the steps you can take to ensure your riding lawn mower survives the winter unscathed.
The Potential Dangers of Winter Exposure
Leaving your riding lawn mower exposed to the elements all winter can lead to a variety of problems. From rust and corrosion to battery damage and fuel degradation, the potential for costly repairs or even premature replacement is significant.
The Impact of Temperature Fluctuations
One of the most significant threats is the constant fluctuation in temperature. Water, whether from rain, snow, or melting ice, can seep into cracks and crevices. As temperatures drop below freezing, this water expands, potentially causing damage to engine components, fuel lines, and other vital parts. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles exacerbate this issue, leading to gradual but persistent deterioration.
Rust and Corrosion: A Silent Threat
Moisture, especially when combined with road salt or other corrosive elements, can quickly lead to rust and corrosion. This can affect the mower deck, frame, engine components, and even electrical connections. Rust not only weakens the structural integrity of the mower but can also impede its performance and shorten its lifespan.
The Battery Blues: Cold Weather’s Toll
Batteries are particularly vulnerable to cold weather. Cold temperatures reduce battery capacity, making it difficult or impossible to start the mower in the spring. Leaving a battery discharged in freezing temperatures can also lead to sulfation, a condition that permanently damages the battery and reduces its ability to hold a charge. Even “maintenance-free” batteries benefit from winter storage preparations.
Fuel Degradation: A Sticky Situation
Gasoline can degrade over time, especially when exposed to temperature fluctuations. This degradation can lead to the formation of gum and varnish deposits in the fuel system, which can clog fuel lines, carburetors, and fuel injectors. This can cause starting problems, poor engine performance, and even engine damage. Modern ethanol-blended fuels are particularly susceptible to degradation, making fuel stabilization a crucial step in winterizing your mower.
Critter Concerns: Uninvited Guests
Rodents and other small animals often seek shelter in warm, protected spaces during the winter. Riding lawn mowers can provide an ideal haven for these creatures. They may chew on wires, hoses, and other components, causing significant damage. They may also build nests in the engine compartment, which can impede airflow and cause overheating when you start the mower in the spring.
Assessing Your Storage Options
Before deciding whether to leave your riding lawn mower outside, consider your available storage options. A garage, shed, or even a covered patio can provide significantly better protection from the elements than simply leaving it exposed.
The Ideal Scenario: Indoor Storage
The best option is to store your riding lawn mower indoors in a garage, shed, or other enclosed space. This provides protection from the elements, including rain, snow, sun, and wind. Indoor storage also helps to prevent rust and corrosion, protects the battery from extreme temperatures, and reduces the risk of damage from rodents and other pests.
The Next Best Thing: Covered Storage
If indoor storage is not an option, covered storage is the next best thing. A carport, covered patio, or even a heavy-duty tarp can provide some protection from the elements. However, it is important to ensure that the cover is securely fastened to prevent it from blowing away in high winds. Also, ensure adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup under the cover, which can actually promote rust and corrosion.
Outdoor Storage: When Necessary
If neither indoor nor covered storage is available, you may have no choice but to leave your riding lawn mower outside. In this case, it is even more important to take precautions to protect it from the elements. We’ll cover those precautions in the next section.
Winterizing Your Riding Lawn Mower: A Step-by-Step Guide
Regardless of where you plan to store your riding lawn mower, winterizing it is essential to protect it from damage and ensure it is ready to go when spring arrives. This process involves a series of steps designed to prepare the mower for extended storage and prevent common problems associated with winter exposure.
Fuel Stabilization: Preventing Gum and Varnish
As mentioned earlier, gasoline can degrade over time, leading to the formation of gum and varnish deposits in the fuel system. To prevent this, add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Run the engine for a few minutes to allow the stabilizer to circulate through the fuel system. Alternatively, you can completely drain the fuel tank and carburetor. This is especially recommended if you’re using gasoline with ethanol.
Oil Change: Protecting the Engine Internals
Changing the oil before storing your riding lawn mower is crucial to protect the engine from corrosion. As oil is used, it becomes contaminated with acids and other corrosive byproducts. These contaminants can attack engine components during storage, leading to rust and pitting. Changing the oil removes these contaminants and replaces them with fresh, clean oil that will protect the engine. Remember to also replace the oil filter.
Battery Care: Ensuring a Strong Start
Remove the battery from the riding lawn mower and store it in a cool, dry place. Ideally, you should store it where temperatures remain above freezing. Clean the battery terminals with a wire brush to remove any corrosion. You can use a battery maintainer or trickle charger to keep the battery fully charged during the winter. This will help prevent sulfation and ensure that the battery is ready to go when you need it. If you don’t have a maintainer, check the battery’s voltage monthly and charge it as needed.
Spark Plug Inspection: A Simple Check
Inspect the spark plug and replace it if necessary. A worn or fouled spark plug can make it difficult to start the mower in the spring. Remove the spark plug, inspect it for damage or wear, and clean it with a wire brush. If the spark plug is heavily worn or fouled, replace it with a new one.
Tire Inflation: Preventing Flat Spots
Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure. This will help prevent flat spots from developing during storage. Check the tire pressure regularly during the winter and add air as needed.
Cleaning and Lubrication: Preventing Rust and Corrosion
Thoroughly clean the riding lawn mower, removing any grass clippings, dirt, or debris. Pay particular attention to the mower deck, which is prone to rust. Wash the mower with soap and water, and then dry it thoroughly. Lubricate all moving parts, such as the axles, wheels, and control cables, with a light oil or grease. This will help prevent rust and corrosion and ensure that the mower operates smoothly in the spring.
Rodent Protection: Keeping Pests at Bay
Take steps to prevent rodents from nesting in your riding lawn mower. Place mothballs or dryer sheets near the mower to deter rodents. You can also cover the air intake and exhaust outlets with steel wool to prevent rodents from entering the engine compartment. Regularly check the mower for signs of rodent activity, such as droppings or chewed wires.
Covering the Mower: Providing Additional Protection
If you are storing your riding lawn mower outside, cover it with a heavy-duty, waterproof tarp. Secure the tarp tightly to prevent it from blowing away in high winds. Make sure the tarp is breathable to prevent moisture buildup under the cover. Consider using a mower cover specifically designed for this purpose, as these often provide a better fit and ventilation.
Long-Term Storage Considerations
For those planning to store their riding lawn mower for an extended period (more than just the winter months), additional considerations are necessary.
Elevating the Mower: Protecting the Tires
If possible, elevate the riding lawn mower off the ground. This will help prevent flat spots from developing on the tires and also reduce the risk of rust on the mower deck. You can use jack stands or blocks of wood to elevate the mower.
Greasing Moving Parts: Preventing Seizure
Thoroughly grease all moving parts, including the axles, wheels, steering components, and control cables. This will help prevent these parts from seizing up during long-term storage. Use a high-quality grease specifically designed for outdoor equipment.
Fuel System Treatment: Preventing Future Problems
If you didn’t drain the fuel system entirely, ensure the fuel stabilizer is still potent. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the fuel stabilizer you used.
Post-Winter Inspection and Maintenance
When spring finally arrives, don’t just jump on your riding lawn mower and start cutting grass. Take some time to inspect it and perform any necessary maintenance to ensure that it is in good working order.
Battery Reinstallation and Charging
Reinstall the battery and charge it fully. Check the battery connections to ensure that they are clean and tight.
Fluid Level Checks
Check all fluid levels, including the engine oil, coolant, and transmission fluid. Top off as needed.
Tire Pressure Check
Check the tire pressure and inflate to the recommended level.
Spark Plug Inspection
Inspect the spark plug and replace it if necessary.
Air Filter Inspection
Inspect the air filter and clean or replace it as needed. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine and reduce performance.
Belt and Hose Inspection
Inspect all belts and hoses for cracks, wear, or damage. Replace them as needed.
Blade Sharpening
Sharpen the mower blades. Sharp blades will cut grass more cleanly and efficiently.
Test Run
Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to ensure that it is running smoothly. Check for any leaks or other problems.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Investment
Leaving a riding lawn mower outside in the winter is not ideal, but it is sometimes unavoidable. By taking the necessary precautions, you can minimize the risk of damage and ensure that your mower is ready to go when spring arrives. Proper winterization, combined with careful storage and post-winter maintenance, will help extend the life of your riding lawn mower and save you money in the long run. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way toward protecting your investment.
Can leaving my riding lawn mower outside in winter damage it?
Leaving a riding lawn mower exposed to the elements during winter can indeed lead to damage. The fluctuating temperatures can cause condensation, which in turn leads to rust and corrosion on metal parts. Rubber components, like tires and belts, can become brittle and crack in extreme cold, while the battery can lose its charge and potentially freeze, resulting in permanent damage.
Furthermore, precipitation like snow and ice can accumulate and seep into sensitive areas like the engine and fuel tank, causing blockages and further corrosion. Small animals may also seek shelter inside the mower, potentially damaging wiring or nesting materials within the machine. A protective cover or, even better, indoor storage is highly recommended to prevent these issues.
What’s the best way to prepare my riding lawn mower for outdoor winter storage?
Preparing your riding lawn mower for outdoor winter storage involves several key steps to minimize potential damage. Start by thoroughly cleaning the mower, removing any grass clippings, debris, and dirt from the deck and engine. Next, stabilize the fuel by adding a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank to prevent it from breaking down and causing gumming in the carburetor.
After stabilizing the fuel, change the oil and filter to remove contaminants that could corrode the engine over winter. Disconnect the battery and store it in a cool, dry place, preferably on a trickle charger to maintain its charge. Finally, cover the mower with a waterproof and breathable cover to protect it from the elements while allowing moisture to escape.
Is it better to store my riding lawn mower indoors or outdoors during winter?
Storing your riding lawn mower indoors is undoubtedly the superior option for protecting it during the winter months. Indoor storage shields the mower from the harsh effects of snow, ice, rain, and extreme temperature fluctuations, all of which can contribute to corrosion, component degradation, and overall reduced lifespan. A garage, shed, or even a covered storage unit will provide a much more stable and protective environment.
Outdoor storage, while sometimes necessary due to space limitations, exposes the mower to the full brunt of winter’s challenges. Even with a cover, moisture can still penetrate, and temperature variations can still affect the mower’s components. Therefore, if you have the option, prioritize indoor storage to preserve the condition and functionality of your riding lawn mower.
What type of cover is best for protecting my riding lawn mower outdoors in winter?
When selecting a cover for protecting your riding lawn mower outdoors in winter, opt for one that is both waterproof and breathable. A waterproof cover will prevent rain, snow, and ice from penetrating and damaging the mower’s components. However, if the cover isn’t breathable, moisture can become trapped underneath, leading to condensation and rust.
Therefore, look for a cover made from materials like canvas or specially designed synthetic fabrics that allow moisture vapor to escape while still providing a barrier against external elements. Ensure the cover fits snugly around the mower and has straps or fasteners to secure it in place, preventing it from being blown off by strong winds. Avoid using plastic tarps, as they tend to trap moisture and can cause more harm than good.
Should I remove the battery from my riding lawn mower before storing it outside for winter?
Yes, removing the battery from your riding lawn mower before storing it outside for winter is highly recommended. Cold temperatures can significantly reduce the battery’s charge and even cause it to freeze, leading to permanent damage and a shortened lifespan. A frozen battery can crack or swell, rendering it unusable.
By removing the battery and storing it in a cool, dry place, such as a garage or basement where temperatures remain relatively stable, you can prevent these issues. Consider using a trickle charger or battery maintainer to keep the battery charged throughout the winter months, ensuring it’s ready to use when you need it in the spring.
Does the type of gasoline I use affect winter storage of my riding lawn mower?
The type of gasoline you use can significantly impact the winter storage of your riding lawn mower. Gasoline containing ethanol, which is common in many fuel blends, can absorb moisture from the air over time. This moisture can then lead to corrosion and other engine problems, particularly during long periods of inactivity like winter storage.
To avoid these issues, it’s best to use gasoline without ethanol or to treat your gasoline with a fuel stabilizer specifically designed for winter storage. Fuel stabilizers prevent the gasoline from breaking down and forming gum or varnish, which can clog the carburetor and other fuel system components. Properly stabilizing the fuel ensures a smoother start-up and better performance when you resume using your mower in the spring.
What are the signs that my riding lawn mower has suffered winter damage from being stored outside?
There are several signs that your riding lawn mower may have suffered winter damage from being stored outdoors. One common indicator is rust or corrosion on metal parts, especially around the engine, deck, and fuel tank. Difficulty starting the mower in the spring, or a rough-running engine, can also indicate that moisture has affected the fuel system or other internal components.
Additionally, check the tires for cracks or dry rot, and inspect the belts for signs of wear or damage. A battery that won’t hold a charge or that appears swollen or cracked is another clear sign of winter damage. Addressing these issues promptly with appropriate repairs or maintenance can help prevent further damage and extend the life of your riding lawn mower.