How to Prepare Your Lawn Mower for Winter?Maintenance and Storage Guide

The mowing season is coming to an end.Before you put your lawn mower away in the garage, spend an hour on it—it’ll save you 200–400 zł on spring repairs.Below you'll find comprehensive, step-by-step instructions on how to prepare your lawn mower for winter, including specific products and prices from EWIMAX—the official distributor of CEDRUS, Oleo-Mac, LONCIN, WEIBANG, and other brands..

Failing to perform winter maintenance costs 200–400 zł (inspection, carburetor cleaning).Do-it-yourself maintenance using EWIMAX products costs approximately 50–70 zł.– Cover 8 areas: cleaning, blades, fuel (be careful with E10!), oil, air filter, spark plug, battery, storage.– E10 gasoline degrades after 30 days—either empty the tank or add B&S Fuel Fit stabilizer (29.89 zł).– At EWIMAX, you’ll find everything: Cedrus SAE30 oil starting at 12.95 zł, NGK spark plugs starting at 6.69 zł, B&S Fuel Fit stabilizer for 29.89 zł, and a Cedrus oil drain for 42.99 zł.

Preparing Your Lawn Mower for Winter – Why It's So Important?

Winter maintenance of your lawn mower isn't just a whim—it's a necessity that determines the engine's lifespan and the cost of getting it up and running in the spring.What is?This involves a series of steps: cleaning, changing fluids, protecting the fuel and battery, and proper storage.Target?Prevent corrosion, fuel degradation, and freeze damage.

How Much Does Negligence Cost?? A post-winter technical inspection of a lawn mower costs an average of 135 zł (range: 90–170 zł).Carburetor cleaning and adjustment – another 60–100 zł.Oil, filter, and spark plug replacement as part of a seasonal inspection – 150–210 PLN.Total: 200–400 PLN for repairs to items you could have prevented.

How much does do-it-yourself maintenance cost?? Cedrus SAE 30 Engine Oil, 0.6 L – 12.95 PLN.B&S Fuel Fit Fuel Stabilizer – 29.89 PLN.NGK spark plug – starting at 6.69 zł.Air filter – starting at a dozen or so zlotys.Total: ~50–70 PLN.The difference is obvious.

⚠️ Neglecting maintenance = repairs costing up to 400 zł

In addition, starting in 2024, E10 gasoline (up to 10% ethanol) will be available at Polish gas stations.Ethanol absorbs moisture, and the fuel begins to degrade after just 30 days.Leaving E10 in the tank all winter is asking for trouble.More on that in a moment.

As the official distributor of the CEDRUS, LONCIN, WEIBANG, and Oleo-Mac brands, EWIMAX offers everything you need for winter maintenance—from oils and filters to fuel stabilizers and covers.Below, I'll walk you through each step.

Step 1: Safety and Work Area Preparation

Before you touch the mower, make sure you and your equipment are safe.

⚠️ Before you begin

• Disconnect the spark plug wire—this is absolutely essential.Accidental startup of the engine while working near the blade can result in serious injury.
• Drive with a cold engine—hot oil and exhaust system components can cause burns.
• Ensure good ventilation—fuel and oil vapors are harmful.

Gather your tools:

• Flathead and socket wrenches (for removing the blade and the oil drain plug)
• Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
• A plastic or wooden spatula (for cleaning the bottom—more on this in Step 2)
• Cotton dishcloths
• A container for used oil (e.g., an old PET bottle)
• Protective gloves

Step 2: Thoroughly Clean the Lawn Mower

Leftover grass, leaves, and mud trap moisture.If left out over the winter, they cause the metal to corrode and mold to grow in hard-to-reach places.

Step-by-step cleaning instructions:

1. Body and Bottom – Remove dried grass clippings with a plastic or wooden spatula.Do not use metal tools—they will scratch the paint and the anti-corrosion coating.A tip from the service technicians: a regular Teflon-safe kitchen spatula works perfectly.
2. Washing with water – You can wash the body with water and a mild detergent, but avoid getting water on the engine, carburetor, and electrical system.Do not use a pressure washer near the wheel bearings or the cutter shaft—it will wash out the grease.
3. Dehumidification – Moisture Is the Number One Enemy.Wipe the lawn mower dry with a cloth, then leave it in a well-ventilated area for an hour.
4. Ventilation openings – Check and clean the air intake grilles.Clogged filters restrict engine cooling.
5. Visual Inspection – while you’re at it, check for cracks in the housing, corrosion on metal parts, or loose fasteners.

What to use for cleaning:

• Plastic/wooden spatula
• Soft wire brush (for steel parts only)
• Microfiber cloths
• A mild detergent (e.g., dish soap)

⚠️ Do not use a pressure washer on the bearings or the motor

Step 3: Cutting Blade – Disassembly, Sharpening, and Maintenance

The blade is a working part of the mower.A dull, chipped, or rusty blade results in poorer mowing quality and puts more strain on the engine.Winter is the perfect time to give it a refresh.

Instructions:

1. Disassembly – unscrew the screw securing the blade (socket wrench).Note: The blade may have grass clippings stuck to it—gently tap it off..Remember—the spark plug must be disconnected!
2. Cleaning – Remove grass clippings and plant sap.Use a wire brush and extraction gasoline.
3. Condition Assessment – Check the knife for cracks, chips, or deep scratches.If so, replace it with a new one.You can find lawn mower blades at EWIMAX starting at approx..45 zł.
4. Sharpening – if the knife is just dull, sharpen it with a flat file or an angle grinder.Maintain the original blade angle (approx..30°).Sharpen both sides evenly.
5. Care Instructions – After sharpening, rub a thin layer of motor oil onto the knife.This will protect it from corrosion all winter long.
6. Installation – Put the blade back in place.Pay attention to the direction—the blades must be oriented in the direction of the motor's rotation (usually toward the grass discharge outlet).Tighten the screw to a torque of approx..40–50 Nm.

When to Replace the Blade? If it has cracks or chips deeper than 2 mm, is bent, or has already been sharpened 3–4 times.The EWIMAX product line includes universal blades and blades specifically designed for CEDRUS, Oleo-Mac, LONCIN, and WEIBANG mowers..

Step 4: Fuel – E10 Gasoline and Winterizing the Lawn Mower

This is the most important step in 2025/2026.E10 gasoline (up to 10% ethanol) replaced E5 at Polish gas stations in 2024.Problem?Ethanol is hygroscopic—it attracts moisture from the air.When combined with water, it forms acids that corrode the carburetor and fuel lines.On top of that, E10 deteriorates very quickly—after 30 days, it loses its properties and forms rubbery deposits.

You have two options:

Option A – Completely drain the tank (recommended for short-term winter storage)

• Use up the remaining fuel—start the mower and let it run until it shuts off due to lack of fuel.
• This will drain the carburetor and fuel lines.
• Advantage: no risk of fuel degradation.
• Drawback: When restarting the engine in the spring, the carburetor may need to be bled.

Option B – Fill the tank completely + stabilizer (recommended for larger mowers and lawn tractors)

• Fill the tank completely with fresh gasoline—this reduces the amount of air and moisture in the tank.
• Add B&S Fuel Fit fuel stabilizer, 250 ml (29.89 PLN at EWIMAX) – extends fuel shelf life up to 24 months.
• Run the engine for 5–10 minutes to allow the stabilizer to circulate throughout the fuel system.

B&S Fuel Fit Fuel Additive, 250 ml Gasoline stabilizer that extends fuel shelf life up to 24 months—protects the mower's fuel system from corrosion and deposits during winter storage. 29.89 PLN • View product →

⚠️ E10 – What You Need to Know

• E10 gasoline loses its properties after 30 days
• Ethanol attracts moisture → carburetor corrosion
• The B&S Fuel Fit stabilizer (29.89 PLN) protects fuel for up to 24 months
• Don't leave the tank empty for too long—moisture condensation

At EWIMAX, you'll also find fuel cans and fuel additives to make winterizing easier.

Step 5: Changing the Engine Oil

Used oil contains acids, soot, and contaminants.If left in for the winter, it corrodes the cylinder liner and the crankshaft bearings..Replacing it before winter is the cheapest way to protect your engine.

Which oil should I choose??

Oleo-Mac 10W30 4-Stroke Engine Oil, 0.6 L All-season, semi-synthetic oil for four-stroke engines in lawn mowers, lawn tractors, and tillers—ideal for an oil change before winter storage. 25.98 zł • View product →

API Standards: Always check the manual for your specific model.For most lawn mowers, the SG, SJ, or SL standards are recommended.You can read more about choosing the right oil in our guide to oils for gas-powered lawn mowers.

Replacement Instructions:

1. Let the engine warm up for 3–5 minutes—warm oil flows better.
2. Place a container under the drain plug (located under the engine).
3. Unscrew the drain plug—drain the oil into a container.
4. Unscrew the oil dipstick (if there is one)—this will speed up the draining process.
5. When the oil stops dripping, screw the drain plug back in.
6. Pour fresh oil through the dipstick filler.Check the level with the dipstick—don't overfill.
7. Close the fuel cap, start the engine for one minute, and check the level again.

Useful tool:Cedrus ACC0018 oil drain (42.99 PLN at EWIMAX) – makes it easier to drain oil without having to tilt the mower.

⚠️ Do not mix oils of different types and viscosities

Step 6: Air Filter and Spark Plug

Air filter – remove it and check its condition.If it is dry and clean, blow it out with compressed air (from the inside out).If it is greasy, dirty, or damaged—replace it.

Types of filters:

• Foam filters – can be washed in warm water with detergent, dried, and soaked in foam filter oil.
• Paper – replacement only.Do not wash or blow-dry it—you'll damage the fabric.

You can find air filters for B&S, Loncin, Honda, Kohler, and Kawasaki engines at EWIMAX.

Spark plug – remove it with a spark plug wrench (preferably a 16 mm or 21 mm socket wrench).

How to Determine the Color of a Candle?

• Brown/beige – OK, the engine is running properly.Clean it with a wire brush, adjust the gap (usually 0.7–0.8 mm), and screw it back in.
• Black, dry – fuel mixture too rich.Replace the spark plug.
• Black, wet – flooding the spark plug with oil.Replace the spark plug and check the condition of the engine.
• White/gray – too limited a mix.Replace the spark plug and check the carburetor.

Installing a new spark plug: Screw it in by hand to avoid damaging the threads.Tighten with a wrench by 1/4–1/2 turn after feeling resistance.Don't twist it!

EWIMAX carries NGK spark plugs for most lawn mower models – prices starting at 6.69 zł.

Oleo-Mac Lawn Mower Service Kit Complete pre-winter maintenance kit: 0.5L of 10W30 oil, an air filter, and a Champion RN9YC spark plug—everything you need for maintenance. 45.00 zł • View product →

Step 7: Battery—How to Protect It for Winter

The battery is the most expensive consumable part in cordless mowers and lawn tractors.Improper storage during the winter can cause permanent damage to it.

Li-Ion Batteries:

• Remove it from the mower—do not store it in the mower when it's freezing outside.
• Charge to 40–60% of capacity.A full charge (100%) shortens the service life of the cells, and a fully discharged battery (0%) suffers permanent damage.
• Store at a temperature of 5–15°C (basement, heated garage).
• Check the voltage every 4–6 weeks—if it drops below 30%, recharge the battery.

Lead-acid batteries:

• Charge the battery fully before winter storage.
• Disconnect it from the mower (unscrew the terminals—negative first, then positive).
• Store at a temperature above 0°C.
• Check the voltage every 4–6 weeks—recharge it when it drops below 12.4 V.

EWIMAX offers Fulbat, Cedrus, and Mastercut batteries for lawn mowers and lawn tractors – starting at 59.86 PLN.

Step 8: Storing the Lawn Mower—Where and How

Indoor storage (garage, shed, basement):

• Choose a dry, well-ventilated room.
• Keep the lawn mower away from fertilizers and garden chemicals—their fumes cause metal corrosion.
• Keep a safe distance from sources of sparks (stoves, heaters, electrical wiring) – fire safety.
• Insulate the tires from the concrete surface – concrete is cold and damp in winter.Place a piece of Styrofoam, cardboard, or a rubber mat under the tires.This prevents tire deformation and wheel corrosion.
• Check your tire pressure—tires naturally lose air in the winter.Inflating tires before winter prevents permanent deformation.

Outdoor storage (as a last resort):

• If you don't have a garage, the lawn mower must be covered securely.
• Use a waterproof cover—for example, the Oleo-Mac protective cover for a lawn tractor (189 PLN at EWIMAX).Made of 420D PU-coated nylon, waterproof and UV-resistant.
• Place the mower on a hard, dry surface.Avoid low-lying areas where water collects.
• Tuck the loose edges of the cover under the machine—that way, the wind won't blow the cover away.

The perfect storage spot:

• Dry and well-ventilated
• Temperature above 0°C
• Far from fertilizers and chemicals
• Tires Isolated from Concrete
• Covered with a dust cover (even indoors—it protects against dust)

Cordless, Electric, and Robotic Lawn Mowers—Winter Storage Guidelines

Not everyone has a gas-powered lawn mower.Here's how to prepare other types for winter:

Cordless lawn mower: The battery is the most important part.Remove it, charge it to 40–60%, and store it at a temperature of 5–15°C.Clean the contacts on the mower and the battery—moisture and dirt cause the contacts to corrode.Clean and secure the blade the same way you would on a gas-powered mower.

Corded electric lawn mower: less work, but don't overlook it.Check the power cord for fraying, cracks, or damage to the plug.Replace the damaged wire.Clean the housing and the blade.Store in a dry place.

Lawn mowing robot: Clean the lift sensors and charging contacts with a damp cloth.Remove the battery (if it is removable).Move the docking station indoors—the cold will damage the electronics.Protect the boundary wire from frost damage—if it is buried in the ground, there is no problem; if it is lying on the surface, coil it up and store it in a dry place.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do you need to drain the fuel from the lawn mower for the winter?? You don't have to, if you use a fuel stabilizer.For E10 gasoline, we recommend two options: completely empty the tank (burn off the remaining fuel) or fill it to capacity with the addition of B&S Fuel Fit stabilizer (29.89 PLN at EWIMAX).An empty tank is at risk of moisture condensation, while a full tank of E10 without a stabilizer is at risk of fuel degradation.

How to Store a Cordless Lawn Mower in the Winter? Remove the Li-Ion battery, charge it to 40–60%, and store it at a temperature of 5–15°C.Don't leave the battery in the mower when it's freezing outside.Clean the contacts and the blade.At EWIMAX, you'll find replacement batteries for Cedrus and Mastercut starting at 59.86 zł.

What kind of oil should I use in my lawn mower for the winter?? For older engines (B&S, Loncin, WEIBANG) – SAE30, e.g., Cedrus SAE30 0.6L for 12.95 PLN.For newer engines (Oleo-Mac, LONCIN) – 10W30, e.g., Oleo-Mac 10W30 0.6L for 25.98 zł.Always check the API specification (SG/SJ/SL) in the manual for your model.For detailed information, see the guide on oils for gas-powered mowers.

Can you store a lawn mower in freezing temperatures?? Yes, but on one condition: drain or secure the fuel, remove the battery, cover the mower with a waterproof cover (e.g., Oleo-Mac for a lawn tractor, 189 zł), and place it on a hard, dry surface.However, it is best to store it in a room where the temperature is above 0°C.

How much does it cost to have a lawn mower serviced after winter?? On average, 135 zł for a standard inspection (range: 90–170 zł).Cleaning the carburetor costs an additional 60–100 zł.In total, neglecting winter maintenance can cost 200–400 zł.Do-it-yourself maintenance using EWIMAX products costs approximately 50–70 zł.

Winter Lawn Mower Maintenance Checklist – Download and Print

Don't rely on your memory.Download the free PDF checklist, print it out, and check off each step as you go through your winter maintenance.

The checklist includes all 8 steps:

• Safety – Unplug the spark plug, get your tools ready
• Cleaning – body, bottom, ventilation openings
• Knife – disassembly, sharpening/replacement, securing
• Fuel – Drain or B&S Fuel Fit Stabilizer
• Oil – change to fresh oil (SAE 30 or 10W30)
• Air Filter and Spark Plug – Inspection/Replacement
• Battery – Removal, Charging, Storage
• Storage – dry place, cover, tire insulation

Download the checklist and have all the steps at your fingertips. This is free material—print it out and check off each item as you go.Your lawn mower will reward you with a trouble-free start in the spring.

And if you need oil, filters, spark plugs, fuel stabilizer, blades, a battery, or a cover—check out EWIMAX's selection.As the official distributor of CEDRUS, Oleo-Mac, LONCIN, and WEIBANG, we have everything you need at competitive prices, with delivery throughout Poland..