What You Need to Know about the Types Oil for Lawn Mower

When did you last change your lawn mower’s oil? It could be a long time since you last made an oil change and you may have already forgotten which type of oil to use on your lawnmower. It’s typical for owners of lawnmowers to forget this detail because maintenance is usually not frequent. In this post, we will discuss the different types of oil for lawnmowers, which type of oil is the right match for your unit, how much it needs, and how often you need to change it. By knowing these things, you’ll be on the right track on how to properly maintain your lawnmower.

We also want to help you avoid the pitfalls that come with using the wrong kind of oil. You might wonder why a lawnmower needs oil at all — it’s because your mower has several moving parts that require lubrication to reduce heat. So, when it’s time for an oil change, you will come across three main types of oil for lawnmowers. But which one should you choose? Here are a few tips to help you out.

3 Types of Oil for Lawn Mowers

A lawnmower can be a great investment, but it’s important to keep up on maintenance and learn the ins and outs of your particular machine. One way to do this is by checking out what type of oil you need for your machine. There are three types: SAE 30, SAE 10W-30, and SAE 10W-40.

SAE 30 Motor Oil

This type of oil has a good viscosity level at room temperature, which means it can flow through the engine with ease. It also stays in place better than other oils. However, this type of oil is petroleum-based and contains a lot of sulfur, which can damage the fuel system of the mower over time. 

SAE 10W-30 Synthetic Blend Oil

Do you have a high-performance lawn mower? If so, then SAE 10W-30 Synthetic Blend Oil is a great option for you! This type of oil is blended with mineral oil, which means it will work well in cold weather conditions. It also has a good viscosity level at room temperature, allowing the oil to flow through the lawn mower’s engine easily.

Additionally, this oil’s built-in detergents help prevent your engine from getting clogged by dirt and debris, while reducing heat. The use of this oil can prolong the lifespan of your equipment, which will save you money. However, if you live in a very hot place, it might not be your best choice.

SAE 10W-40 Semi-synthetic or Fully Synthetic Engine Oil

Semi-synthetic oil is a mixture of SAE 10W-30 with synthetic oil, which has several benefits. It lasts longer than non-synthetic oil (such as mineral oil). Consequently, it reduces your trips to the gas station to get more oil or replace what you have already used. This type is also good in terms of viscosity. That’s because it can flow easily even at low temperatures without having too much resistance. 

The only problem with this type of oil is that it costs twice as much as its counterparts. If your lawnmower is expensive and you intend to keep it for a long time, then this type might be your best bet. However, if you only use your mower occasionally and for simple purposes such as mowing the lawn, you can settle for cheaper oil.

How Much Oil Do You Need?

Are you wondering how much oil you should pour into your mower’s tank? Your manufacturer’s manual should tell you how much to use. In general, it should be enough oil to cover half the height of the fuel line from the tank. If there is no mention of this in your user manual, then choose an amount that could fill up to 1/3 of the fuel line from the tank. It is advantageous to consult with a reliable mechanic or read recommendations by other users online.

Why Is It Necessary to Change Your Lawn Mower’s Oil?

There are many reasons why people need to change their mower’s oil. Listed below are some of the common instances when an oil change is needed.

  • On average, we recommend changing your oil at least once a year, after about 100 hours of use, (or half a year)
  • If you notice any leakage or spillage from your lawn mower’s engine or compartment
  • If the oil smells bad
  • If your mower is showing signs of wear, such as loss of performance and durability
  • When replacing an old machine with a new one

Now that you know when to change the oil of your mower, it’s time to proceed to the few steps to keep in mind when making a mower’s oil change.

  • Remove the drain plug at the bottom side of your lawn mower’s engine to let out all remaining oil inside
  • Get rid of any oil sediment located at the bottom of your lawn mower’s tank
  • Wash down the entire area to remove residual particles
  • Fill your mower with fresh oil, and check if there are any leaks or spills before putting everything back together again

Greg’s Small Engine offers services and repair for lawn mowers and other small engines. Contact us today for more information!