Winter may be just around the corner, and you may have already put your John Deere lawnmower away, but spring will be here before you know it. When it does return, you'll want your lawnmower to be ready to mow again. The last thing you want is to be greeted by an unhappy whirring sound, with no power behind it. That's where the springtime preventative maintenance will come in handy. Before you try to use your lawnmower for the first time next spring, here are a few steps you'll want to follow.

Check the Fluids

Your lawnmower sat dormant all winter long. The fluids might have had a chance to get all gunked up inside the engine. Some of the fluids might have even evaporated while your lawnmower was sitting in the storage shed. Before you try to turn you mower on, be sure to check all the fluids. First, make sure you have enough gas in the tank. Next check the oil to make sure it's clean, and that the levels are sufficient to lubricate the engine. If the fluid looks cloudy, or you can see debris floating in it, you'll want to flush the system and start with fresh fluid.

Change the Filters

If you didn't change the filters before you put your lawnmower away for the winter, you'll want to inspect those right now. Dirty air filters, or fuel filters can prevent your lawnmower from operating properly. If your filters are dirty, you'll need to order new ones, and install them before you start using your lawnmower next spring. For maximum performance, it's a good idea to change your filters each spring, whether they look like they need it or not. You never know what got inside of them during the winter.

Get the Battery Tested

During those cold winter months, your lawnmower battery could have really taken a beating. This is particularly true if you live in an area that experiences frequent freezing temperatures during the winter. If your battery was exposed to freezing temperatures, it might not be operating on all the cells. To make sure your battery didn't suffer damage during the winter, take it down and have the charge tested before you start using your lawnmower. If it's not holding an adequate charge, you should replace it. You don't want your battery to die while you're in the middle of mowing your lawn.

Kick the Tires

Finally, if the tires on your lawnmower weren't protected properly during the winter, they could have suffered damaged. To make sure they're up to the task, give them a thorough inspection before you take your lawnmower out of storage. If they show signs of rot, or other damage, you should replace them before you mow your lawn for the first time. Contact a company, like Bub's Tractor Parts, for more help.

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