Winter Power Equipment Storage Tips
As cold weather approaches, it’s time to get your power equipment ready for the winter months. By following a few simple steps, you can protect your machines from extreme conditions and ensure that they are ready to roll next spring. We’ve put together a short guide to get you started on winterizing your equipment.
What Should You Winterize Equipment?
It’s essential to winterize various power equipment to help them withstand colder temperatures, from lawnmowers to chainsaws. Their parts require special attention to keep them protected and in good working order. Adding a fuel stabilizer is important to prevent tank corrosion as gasoline can separate from water if it has ethanol added to it. Signs of water or sediment in the fuel are often a sign of a problem and it could damage the fuel injection system.
Without proper lubrication, seals and moving parts can dry out or get corroded. After months of regular use in the spring and summer, it’s likely that your power equipment could use some repairs to get it back to peak operating condition. This will also help you reduce your maintenance needs come spring
Inspect and Clean
It’s good to thoroughly check your implements so that you know if repairs are needed before the next season comes around. Depending on your machines, you’ll need to inspect things like engine oil, air filters, batteries, radiators, and other mechanical components. Drain the fuel from your equipment and then add some fresh fuel with a stabilizer to prevent condensation. Don’t forget to change your filters and top off the fluids or replace them if needed. Taking out any batteries to store in a warm, dry place can help to increase the lifespan.
Outdoor power equipment is all about getting in the dirt. All that grease, grime, and muck can do serious damage, especially if it’s left to sit over a long period of time. So, before you put your tools away for winter, hit them with some basic cleaning.
Cover and Store Indoors
Ideally, you should store your power equipment indoors, such as in your barn, shed, or garage, to protect them from inclement weather. If you don’t have a place to store them inside, consider renting a storage unit to keep them secured.
Even when your machines are stored indoors, they should be covered with a snug cover that will prevent the build-up of dust and debris. Find a cover that is water-repellent just in case moisture gets in.
If you need repairs before putting away your power equipment for winter storage, our expert staff will be happy to help you out. Stop in today at T&E Small Engine in Floyd, VA. We welcome all our patrons visiting us from Roanoke and Christiansburg, VA.