Knowing how to properly winterize outdoor power equipment is essential for anyone living in North Idaho. Our winters are long, and if your mower, trimmer, or blower sits in an unheated shed from November to April without preparation, you are almost guaranteed to face starting problems, gummed-up carburetors, or corroded engine internals when spring arrives. The good news is that winterizing your equipment is straightforward if you address a few key areas.
Fuel: The Most Important Step When You Winterize Outdoor Power Equipment
Untreated gasoline begins to degrade within 30 days. Over a five-month winter, it turns into a varnish-like residue that clogs carburetors, fuel lines, and jets. In fact, this is the number one cause of spring startup failures we see at the shop. You have two reliable options:
Option A (recommended for mowers and larger equipment): Add a quality fuel stabilizer such as Sta-Bil or Echo Red Armor to a full tank. Then, run the engine for 2 to 3 minutes to circulate treated fuel through the entire system, then shut it down for storage.
Option B (recommended for handheld tools): Alternatively, run the engine until the tank and carburetor are completely dry. This eliminates the possibility of fuel degradation entirely. This works especially well for trimmers, blowers, and chainsaws that use small fuel volumes.
Change the Oil Before Storage, Not After
Importantly, this is a step many people skip or get backwards. Used engine oil contains combustion acids and contaminants that corrode engine internals when left sitting for months. In contrast, fresh oil provides a clean protective film on all bearing surfaces, cylinder walls, and valve components. Therefore, change the oil at the end of the season so your equipment sits with clean oil all winter, and it will fire up more reliably in spring.
Battery Care for Riding Mowers and Zero-Turns
In addition, disconnect the battery and store it in a cool, dry location. Connect it to a trickle charger or battery maintainer to prevent slow discharge over the winter months. According to Briggs & Stratton, a lead-acid battery that sits fully discharged for several months may not recover and will need to be replaced. As a result, this is an easy and inexpensive step that saves you from buying a new battery in April.
Clean Everything Thoroughly
Furthermore, remove all grass clippings, dirt, and debris from the mower deck, engine cooling fins, air intake areas, and undercarriage. Moisture trapped under caked-on debris promotes rust and corrosion throughout the winter. Consequently, a clean machine stores better, lasts longer, and is ready to go with less effort in spring. For chainsaws, clean the bar groove and sprocket area before putting the saw away.
Protect Exposed Metal Surfaces
Similarly, spray exposed metal components and the underside of the mower deck with a light coat of WD-40 or a dedicated equipment protectant. For chainsaw bars, apply a generous coat of bar and chain oil before storage. These protective films prevent surface rust from forming during the damp North Idaho winter months when humidity in unheated storage spaces can be significant.
Store Equipment Off the Ground in a Dry Space
Finally, concrete floors wick moisture, which accelerates corrosion on metal components. Place a piece of plywood, a rubber mat, or a plastic sheet underneath stored equipment. Indoor storage in a garage or enclosed shed is always preferable to outdoor storage, even under a cover. If you are short on space, prioritize getting your most expensive equipment indoors. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute provides additional seasonal storage recommendations on their website.
Taking 30 minutes to winterize outdoor power equipment at the end of the season can save you hundreds of dollars in spring repairs. If you would rather have a professional handle it, our winterization service covers the entire process for all equipment types.
Drop off your equipment before the season ends and we will take care of everything. Call Librandi Outdoor Power at (208) 772-4556 or use our contact form to schedule a drop-off.