3 Things to Check Before Starting Your Lawn Mower After Winter

Replace old gas Old gas goes bad in a few months and gums up the carburetor. Drain it completely and fill with fresh gas. Use fuel stabilizer if you want, and stick with E10 gas — E15 is not safe.

Install a new spark plug Spark plugs are cheap and easy to replace. Gap the new one to spec (usually 0.030"), screw it in, and check the air filter while you’re at it.

Sharpen the blade A dull blade tears grass instead of cutting it, leaving a brown, ragged lawn. A file or bench grinder does the job in ten minutes.