{
  "id": 16173294,
  "title": "Don't leave gas in your lawnmower this fall — do this one thing before temperatures drop",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/dont-leave-gas-in-your-lawnmower-this-fall-do-this-one-thing-before",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-23T09:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Guide",
    "slug": "tom-s-guide",
    "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/home/lawn-care/dont-leave-gas-in-your-lawnmower-this-fall-do-this-one-thing-before-temperatures-drop"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As the mowing season concludes and temperatures begin to drop, many people fail to properly prepare their lawnmowers for winter storage, resulting in costly repairs and dead engines come spring. A common mistake is leaving a half-full tank of gasoline in the mower when packing it away. Stagnant, untreated fuel is the primary cause of small-engine failure during seasonal storage, leading to gummed-up carburetors, rusted fuel lines, and expensive repairs. By taking just one simple step before storing your mower, you can protect the engine and ensure it runs smoothly when you need it next spring. Ethanol-blended gasoline purchased at the pump is fine when used frequently, but when left idle in a mower tank for more than 30 days, the ethanol attracts moisture from the air, causing phase separation. This creates a heavy, acidic water-ethanol mixture that sinks to the bottom of the tank and corrodes metal components, destroys rubber seals, and leaves a gummy varnish that clogs the carburetor, preventing the engine from starting. To prevent this, you have two options: treat a full tank with a high-quality fuel stabilizer or drain the fuel system completely. If opting for an empty tank, remove any remaining or stale gas using a manual hand pump and store the fuel in a safe container. Adding a fuel stabilizer is the most reliable method, as it contains antioxidants and anti-corrosive additives that prevent phase separation and oxidation. Pour the recommended dose of stabilizer into fresh gas or directly into the mower tank, top it off to about 95 percent capacity, and run the engine for five to ten minutes to ensure the stabilized fuel circulates through the entire system. After stabilizing the fuel, perform two final maintenance steps: disconnect the spark plug wire, tilt the mower up with the air filter pointing upward, and remove all grass clippings, mud, and debris from the underside of the deck. Sharpen or balance the mower blade now to have it ready for spring, or apply a thin coat of WD-40 or mineral oil to the blade to prevent rust while stored. By following these simple guidelines, you can protect your lawnmower from damage during winter storage and ensure it starts on the first pull next season.",
  "summary": "Avoid a dead engine and a costly repair bill. Here's why leaving gas in your lawn mower ruins carburetors, and the simple step that prevents it.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}