Small Engine Maintenance Checklist
Nearly every repair we see could have been prevented by a few minutes of upkeep. A simple small engine maintenance routine keeps mowers, generators, and snow blowers starting on the first pull and saves real money over time. Here is the full checklist, plus how often each task matters.
Every Use
- Check the oil level before starting
- Clear grass, dust, and debris from the cooling fins and intake
- Look over the machine for loose or damaged parts
Every Season
Change the oil with the grade in your manual.
Replace or clean the air filter.
Fit a fresh spark plug and set the gap.
Drain old fuel and refill with fresh gas.
Clean the cooling fins so the engine runs cool.
For mowers, add blade sharpening to the seasonal list. See the lawn mower maintenance guide for the mower specific steps.
Before Storage
How you put a machine away decides how it starts next season.
- Add fuel stabilizer, or drain the fuel system completely
- Run the engine briefly so stabilized fuel reaches the carburetor
- Change the oil before a long layup
- Store somewhere dry and covered
Why It Pays Off
A yearly tune up costs a fraction of a carburetor rebuild or an ignition repair. Maintenance is not just about reliability, it is the cheapest form of small engine repair there is. Compare the numbers in the repair cost guide.
Rather Let a Pro Come to You?
Wildwood Small Engine Repair brings the shop to your door. Over 10,000 repairs since 2019, house calls from $75 and tune-ups from $38, backed by a 4.9 star rating. Call 888-594-5516 to book same week service.