If there is one thing you should always keep an eye on when it comes to your lawn mower, it’s the oil level. This is because the oil is one of the main elements that will keep your lawn mower running smoothly and ensure the engine has a long life. So, how do you check a lawn mower’s oil? Let me explain.
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How to Check Lawn Mower Oil
To check a lawn mower’s oil, you’ll first need to locate the oil dipstick. Then, with the engine stopped and cold, remove the dipstick from the engine and inspect the markings on the tip of the dipstick. You want to ensure that the remaining oil on the dipstick sits between the low and full markings.
Why is it Important to Check the Oil in a Lawn Mower
Inside the lawn mower’s engine are a bunch of metal moving parts that move at high speed and generate a lot of heat. The lawn mower relies on engine oil to prevent these moving parts from overheating and expanding. So, if the oil isn’t kept at the right level, these moving parts will expand and rub against one another. As a result, your lawn mower’s engine will overheat. Eventually, the friction will wear the components down to such a point where they no longer work. Usually, this kind of damage is unrepairable, and you’ll need a new engine. So, the best solution is to check your lawn mower’s oil on a regular basis.
How Often Should You Check the Lawn Mower Oil
There isn’t a set rule as to when you should check your lawn mower’s engine oil, but generally speaking, the more often, the better. You definitely don’t want to wait for your lawn mower to start showing signs of low oil before you check it, as it could already be too late, and your engine could be facing irreparable damage. So, my recommendation is to get in the habit of checking your oil each time before starting your mower. The process only takes a few seconds once you know how to do it.
Not only do I recommend checking your lawn mower oil regularly, but it should also be an essential part of your maintenance steps when you’re getting your lawn mower ready for spring.
How to Check Lawn Mower Oil (8 Simple Steps)
Before you head out to mow, here are the 8 simple steps you can follow to check the oil level of your lawn mower. All you need for this process is a clean paper towel.
Position the Lawn Mover on Level Ground
First, you want to ensure that your lawn mower is on level ground so that you don’t get a false reading when checking the oil level.
Make Sure the Engine is Cold
Then, make sure that your lawn mower’s engine is cold. If you have been using your lawn mower and the engine is hot, you will need to allow the engine to cool before checking the oil.
Locate the Oil Dipstick
Next, locate the dipstick on the engine. The dipstick is usually either a small handle on the side of the engine, or it is inside the oil filler cap.
Remove the Oil Dipstick
Once you have located your lawn mower dipstick, remove it from the engine, being careful of oil dripping off the end of the dipstick.
Clean Off the End of the Dipstick
Next, use your paper towel to clean off the oil from the dipstick.
Reinsert the Dipstick in the Engine
Replace the clean dipstick into the engine, making sure to seat it back into position fully.
Remove the Dipstick
Next, remove the dipstick once again from your lawn mower’s engine.
Inspect the Oil Level
Finally, inspect the end of the dipstick and see where the oil level is on the dipstick level markings.
How Do You Read a Lawn Mower Dipstick?
You’ll find a few different markings on the end of the dipstick. These markings may differ from mower to mower, but they all follow the same principle of indicating the oil level. The handle end of the dipstick signifies Full, and the bottom tip signifies Empty/Low. So, for example, you could find a hatch pattern or two lines labeled low and full on the dipstick.
As long as the oil level is between these markings, your lawn mower oil level is ok. But, if the level is below the low marking, you’ll need to top off the oil. If the oil is above the full marking, your lawn mower has too much oil, and you’ll need to drain some of it.
Can I Just Add Oil to My Lawn Mower?
When your lawn mower is in use, it burns off oil, and eventually, you’ll need to do an oil change. But between oil changes, you can top off your lawn mower’s oil so that it always stays at the correct level. Therefore, can you add oil to your lawn mower? Yes, as long as you keep the oil between the markings on the dipstick.
Do You Need to Do Oil Changes if You are Topping Off?
When you are topping off the oil, you are only adding a very small amount of oil at a time. This means that even though you are adding fresh oil to your lawn mower’s engine, you are not actually removing any of the old oil. As a result, the oil will worsen and become less effective over time. So, even though you are adding fresh oil, you’ll still need regular oil changes to achieve maximum performance and keep your engine running smoothly.
What Lawn Mower Oil Should You Use?
As a general rule, SEA 30 engine oil is the preferred oil for a lawn mower engine. You may find many different oil types available that claim to be good for small engines, but these are considering different working conditions, such as cold weather for snow blowers. So, SEA 30 is a safe standard option. But, if you are unsure, then take a quick look in your owner’s manual, as the manufacturer always states which oil you should use.
