Skip to main content

How to change the oil in your lawn mower in 6 simple steps

Lawn mowers are important to lawn maintenance and health, so it’s vital to take care of them. They need gas or electricity, to be kept clean, for their blades to be sharpened, and, of course, an oil change every so often.

How often, though, is every so often? How much oil do you need? What do you do with the old oil? If these questions are stressing you out, you aren’t alone. We’re here to walk you through every step of changing your lawn mower’s oil in this simple guide.

Person removing oil dipstick from lawn mower and wiping it with old, white wash rag
Digital Reflections / Shutterstock

When should you change your lawn mower’s oil?

In general, your oil needs changing after every season of use, every 50 hours of use, or after a period of use with rough conditions. Since most mowing occurs during spring and summer, this means you’ll most likely want to change your oil every fall. However, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your oil and check it regularly. If the oil begins running low, has particles in it, or it becomes sludge-like, you should change it, even if it doesn’t line up with the regular schedule.

Recommended Videos

You should also check your owner’s manual for the lawn mower. An owner’s manual will have instructions, including any special instructions for your specific model of lawn mower. If you got your lawn mower secondhand or have misplaced your owner’s manual, you can check the manufacturer’s website. This is important, as not every engine is exactly the same, and it’s crucial to know what your mower in particular needs to avoid any safety concerns or damage to your mower.

Oil slowly pouring into the engine of a lawn mower
Tony740607/Shutterstock

How to change your lawn mower’s oil

This entire process is far less daunting than it seems, we promise. Here’s our simple, step-by-step guide

  • Start your oil change with warm oil, which helps the entire process go smoothly. You can do this by either changing your oil directly after you’ve mowed your lawn or running the lawn mower for 10 to 15 minutes before beginning.
  • Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug and keep them separated. This is where your owner’s manual comes in handy, as different models may have different precautions in place regarding the spark plug.
  • Open the oil tank and remove the dipstick. Wipe the oil off the dipstick with a rag and set it to the side. Be careful not to lose it.
  • Grab an oil pan or a similar, oil-safe container to drain the oil into. A container that isn’t oil-safe could leak, which can create a mess or lead to oil spilling into your yard.
  • Remove and dispose of the oil. There are two ways to do this: the tilt method and siphon method
    • The tilt method doesn’t require any extra tools, but it can be a bit messier. Depending on your model of lawn mower, you may need to seal or empty the gas tank first to prevent a gas spill. Simply put your oil pan next to your mower and tilt it over, pouring the oil into the pan. Take any precautions against spilling that you can, such as wearing old clothes or putting a drop cloth down.
    • The siphon method does require a siphon, oil removal kit, or pump of some sort, but it is more precise and less likely to create a mess. Be sure that the end of the pump or siphon fits into the oil tank, but other than that, any cheap hand pump will work just fine. Pump the oil out of the tank and into the pan.
    • Take the old oil to almost any location that sells motor oil, and they can recycle it for you. This includes many smaller mechanics and auto parts stores as well as larger retailers and some service stations. Never dump oil into your yard or down your sink. It can cause major problems for both your plumping and your plants.
  • Once the oil has been drained, you’re ready to replace it with fresh oil. A funnel is extremely helpful for this, but it can be done without one if you pour very slowly and carefully. Just be prepared for potential spills.
    • When it comes to the type and amount of oil you’ll need, refer to the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website. If you aren’t certain, or can’t find the information, you can rely on the experience of your local mechanic or auto parts store for a recommendation.
    • Add your oil slowly, and check the oil level as you go to be sure you aren’t under or over filling the tank. Once you’ve replaced the oil, put the dipstick back in and secure the lid.

Now you’re ready to clean up any spills, reattach the spark plug, and store your mower until it’s time to mow your lawn again. That’s all there is to it! Remember to keep your owner’s manual handy and don’t hesitate to ask your local experts for help if you need it. Once you get in there and start working, you’ll find that it’s nothing you can’t handle — even an oil change.

Cayla Leonard
Cayla Leonard is a writer from North Carolina who is passionate about plants.  She enjoys reading and writing fiction and…
How to kill crabgrass for good
Stop crabgrass from taking over your lawn
A patch of crabgrass

If your goal is to have a pristine, neatly manicured lawn then you might get frustrated whenever crabgrass starts to pop up around your yard. Preventing crabgrass from taking root in the first place seems nearly impossible, so it’s better to focus on getting rid of it. Crabgrass is stubborn, though, so that’s often easier said than done. If you’re wondering how to kill crabgrass, you’re in the right place. We’ll answer all your questions, from what crabgrass is to how to get rid of it and even whether you should actually let it grow.
What is crabgrass?

Crabgrass is a member of the grass family that's not generally used for lawns. For most, it's typically viewed and treated as a weed, since it's a fairly aggressive spreader that pops up in empty spots or areas with weak grass. Because of this, crabgrass has a habit of outcompeting lawn grasses, especially if the lawn is already struggling or was planted recently.

Read more
Zoysia grass is tough and versatile – here’s how to care for it
Planting and caring for a zoysia grass lawn
Green grass lawn

The basics of lawn care may not change much from one lawn to the next, but many of the finer details do change based on the type of grass you’re growing. If you want the lushest, greenest lawn possible, you’ll need to tailor your care routine to your lawn. Zoysia grass is a popular grass species for lawns, with thick, vibrant blades that require shockingly little care. How do you know if zoysia is right for your lawn, and how do you keep your zoysia lawn looking its best? This guide will answer all your questions.
Planting zoysia grass

Zoysia grass can grow from seeds, sod, or plugs, and all options have different benefits and drawbacks. Seeds are excellent if you have a large area to cover, and they’re generally more affordable. However, zoysia grass grows slowly. Sod and plugs, which are already partially grown, are much faster to establish and begin spreading than seeds. However, they’re more expensive and more time consuming to plant. Some people choose to use a combination of seeds and plugs to get the best of both options.

Read more
How to create your own pollinator garden – invite bees, butterflies, and more to your outdoor space
Step-by-step guide to attract pollinators to your landscape
A group of purple coneflowers

Our pollinators need a break. Consider the monarch butterfly or honey bee, or any of our more than 3,600 lesser-known bee species, hundreds of native butterflies, and hummingbirds. They convert flowers into fruits, grains, nuts, and seeds, including those of more than 150 different North American food crops. However, they face mounting pressure due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Pollinator gardening reduces that pressure. If you're wondering how to create a pollinator garden, we'll help you with some tips ahead.
What is a pollinator garden?

A pollinator garden is a safe haven for bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, and other creatures that carry pollen. It might be as simple as a large container garden with a variety of pollen- and nectar-bearing flowers. Or it could encompass many acres, with host plants that support various stages of life, a progression of flowers throughout the year, and a source of water. Typically, it’s any convenient backyard space that needs a bit of attention.
How to create a new pollinator garden

Read more