If you want your lawnmower to start next spring – let it run now...

As the mowing and mulching season comes to an end...

...you’ll need to prepare your lawnmower or tractor for winter hibernation. Bob Markovich, home and yard editor at Consumer Reports, says run that fuel dry. The ethanol in your mower’s gas separates over the winter and clogs some key components in there. He suggests you add some fuel stabilizer then let her run – until she’s out of gas. Come spring, you’ll add some nice fresh fuel and that mower or tractor will start right up.

It’s also a good idea to change the filter and oil once a year in your mower – and clean out any clippings from the blades and deck. Debris left sitting in there over the winter will just promote rust.