Ah, June. School’s out, the days are long, and the weather’s getting toasty. Your vacation is calling your name. But before you slather yourself with SPF 75 and reach for a margarita, do yourself a favor and tackle a few maintenance projects. A little pain now means a big gain later—you’ll ensure your home runs smoothly through the dog days of summer.
One of the most important items to add to your June Home Maintenance To Do list is Riding Lawnmower maintenance. Riding lawnmowers are a serious investment, costing anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 on average, so it’s just common sense, and cents, to take care of it, so that it can continue to take care of your lawn.
To perform basic maintenance on your riding mower, start by using compressed air or a leaf blower to clear grass, dirt, and debris that have probably accumulated since last year. Drain old fuel into an approved gasoline can, and follow hazardous waste disposal regulations to get rid of it. Then, change your oil and filter. Chris Granger, vice president of Sears Home Services, recommends letting the mower run for a bit before getting started. If you have a foam air filter, clean it with soap and water, and make sure it’s dry before reinstalling. Finally, change the spark plugs. “This simple but crucial task will help the mower start smoother and run more efficiently,” Granger says.
When to call in the pros: On average, professional lawn mower maintenance and repair will cost $35 to $90, but could increase depending on the complexity of the job and whether new parts are needed.
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