How to Store Outdoor Power Equipment During the Off-Season
A storage checklist for mowers, snowblowers, and generators so they start next season. Covers fuel, oil, cleaning, batteries, and where to store them.
Michigan equipment works in shifts. The mower goes away when the snowblower comes out, and they swap again in spring. Most next-season starting problems trace back to how a machine was put away. A little time at storage saves trouble later.
Always check your owner’s manual first. Manufacturers differ, especially on whether to stabilize fuel or run the system dry.
Safety
Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated space with the engine off and cool. Disconnect the spark plug wire before working near blades, augers, or other moving parts. Never store fuel or fueled equipment near a furnace, water heater, or other flame or spark source.
1. Handle the fuel
Old fuel is the number one cause of hard starting after storage. There are two common approaches, and your manual will say which it prefers:
- Stabilize: fill the tank, add fuel stabilizer at the labeled ratio, and run the engine a few minutes so treated fuel reaches the carburetor.
- Run dry: drain the tank into an approved container, then run the engine until it stops.
Either way, don’t let untreated gas sit for months.
2. Change the oil
On four-stroke engines, changing the oil before storage means the engine sits with clean oil instead of used oil. See signs your small engine needs an oil change.
3. Clean it
- Mowers: clear grass buildup from under the deck (spark plug wire disconnected) and around the engine cooling fins.
- Snowblowers: rinse off road salt and let the machine dry fully. Salt is hard on metal.
- Generators: wipe down and make sure vents are clear.
4. Check the air filter and spark plug
Replace a dirty paper air filter or clean a foam one as the manual describes. Inspect the spark plug. Doing this now means the machine is ready to go when the season starts.
5. Batteries
For riding mowers and electric-start equipment, keep the battery charged. A battery maintainer helps over a long Michigan winter. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your battery and charger.
6. Store it well
- Indoors, dry, and covered if possible, out of the weather.
- Away from flame or spark sources, especially if there’s fuel in the tank.
- Fuel stored in approved containers only, kept away from living spaces.
7. Make a note of anything wrong
If the machine was running rough, leaking, or making noise at the end of the season, the off-season is the easiest time to get it fixed. There’s no rush, and it’s ready on day one.
Call or text Westland Small Engine Repair at (734) 400-0790 to arrange it.
This article is general guidance. Always follow the owner’s manual for your specific machine.