What’s the difference between 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines?

A 4-stroke engine, which is in most push and riding mowers, has a separate spot for oil, just like a car. A 2-stroke engine (found in things like weed eaters and leaf blowers) needs you to mix oil directly into the gas. Make sure you use the right kind of oil and mix it correctly!

Do I need to drain the gas out for winter storage?

It’s a really good idea! If you don’t use a fuel stabilizer, stale gas can cause a lot of damage over the winter. The best thing to do is run the mower until it’s completely out of gas before you put it away for the cold season.

Does a higher octane rating mean better performance?

Not for most lawn mowers! An octane rating of 87 is what most small engines are made for. Using a higher octane gas is just a waste of money and can sometimes even make it harder for your mower to start.

How long does gas last in a gas can?

Untreated gas can go bad in as little as a month. If you add a fuel stabilizer, it can last for up to a year or more, making it perfect for your mower.

Can I use old gas from last year?

We highly recommend against it. Old, stale gas can be gummy and cause clogs in your engine’s carburetor, leading to expensive repairs. It’s always best to use fresh gas

Does the Gas Type Affect My Lawn Mower’s Engine?

Key Takeaway

Fuel quality directly affects engine performance and lifespan.
Use unleaded gasoline with 10% ethanol or less to avoid damage.
Old or improper fuel can cause hard starts, corrosion, and costly repairs.

Yes, it really does matter what kind of fuel you put in your lawn mower. The right fuel helps your mower start easily, run smoothly, and last longer. The wrong fuel, though, can cause frustrating issues like hard starts, poor performance, or even engine damage over time. Taking a little care at the pump goes a long way in keeping your mower ready whenever your yard needs attention.

Think of it like this: your body needs good food to stay healthy and strong. Your lawn mower engine is the same way! Giving it the right kind of fuel keeps it working its best, so you can have the greenest, most perfectly mowed lawn in Brunswick.

What is the Best Gas for a Lawn Mower?

This is probably one of the most common questions we get, and for good reason! The best answer, for most home lawn mowers, is to use fresh, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87.

The most important thing to watch out for is something called “ethanol.” This is an alcohol that’s added to a lot of gas at the pump. While a little bit (10% or less) is usually okay for most modern mowers, too much of it can cause big problems. Ethanol can pull water from the air and cause rust in your fuel tank and engine. It can also mess with the plastic and rubber parts in your fuel system.

So, when you’re at the gas station, look for gas that is “ethanol-free” if you can find it. If not, make sure it’s E10 (10% ethanol) or less. Another great tip is to buy gas in small amounts and use it up quickly, since gas can go “stale” in as little as 30 days.

What Happens if I Use the Wrong Gas?

Using the wrong gas can cause a lot of headaches and expensive problems for your mower. Here’s what could happen:

Engine Damage: Using gas with too much ethanol can slowly eat away at the plastic and rubber parts in your fuel system, like fuel lines and seals. Over time, this can cause leaks and even engine failure.
Starting Problems: Old or stale gas can gum up and clog the carburetor, which is the part that mixes air and fuel. When this happens, your mower will have a really hard time starting, or it might not start at all.
Rust and Corrosion: Ethanol loves to attract water. This water can sit in your fuel tank and other engine parts, leading to rust and corrosion, which can seriously damage your mower from the inside out.
Poor Performance: The wrong fuel can make your mower sputter, lose power, or run unevenly. It’s like trying to run a marathon on junk food, your mower just won’t be able to perform its best.

Can’t I Just Use the Same Gas as My Car?

This is a great question! While it might be tempting to just use the same gas you put in your car, it’s often not the best idea. Here’s why:

Ethanol Content: As we mentioned, cars are built to handle higher levels of ethanol (like E15 or even E85), but most lawn mower engines are not. Using gas with too much ethanol can damage your mower’s carburetor and fuel lines.
Fuel Stabilizer: Cars get used every day, so the gas in their tank is always fresh. Your lawn mower, however, might sit for weeks or even months between uses. This is when gas can go bad and cause gunk to clog up your engine. Adding a fuel stabilizer to your gas can is a simple way to keep the fuel fresh and ready to go when you need it.

What Our Customers Say

We’ve helped tons of folks in the Brunswick area get their mowers back in top shape. Here’s what some of them have to say:

“This place is amazing. I was helped by Brandy who was full.of great insightful knowledge assessing my needs for a new zero turn. There was no pressure and when I was ready, I called her to press fwd. By the time I got there from work, paperwork was ready, mower was ready, and she had it dropped to my home. I feel comfortable knowing this is the service I can expect when I go there. Thank you all!” – James T.

“Southern Hardware was highly recommended! Brandy was easy to work with and extremely helpful. Will do business with them again!” – Doggo M.

Your Lawn Mower Fuel Questions Answered

Got more questions? We hear these all the time.

What’s the difference between 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines?
A 4-stroke engine, which is in most push and riding mowers, has a separate spot for oil, just like a car. A 2-stroke engine (found in things like weed eaters and leaf blowers) needs you to mix oil directly into the gas. Make sure you use the right kind of oil and mix it correctly!
Do I need to drain the gas out for winter storage?
It’s a really good idea! If you don’t use a fuel stabilizer, stale gas can cause a lot of damage over the winter. The best thing to do is run the mower until it’s completely out of gas before you put it away for the cold season.
Does a higher octane rating mean better performance?
Not for most lawn mowers! An octane rating of 87 is what most small engines are made for. Using a higher octane gas is just a waste of money and can sometimes even make it harder for your mower to start.
How long does gas last in a gas can?
Untreated gas can go bad in as little as a month. If you add a fuel stabilizer, it can last for up to a year or more, making it perfect for your mower.
Can I use old gas from last year?
We highly recommend against it. Old, stale gas can be gummy and cause clogs in your engine’s carburetor, leading to expensive repairs. It’s always best to use fresh gas.

Don’t Let Your Lawn Mower Suffer!

Don’t let your mower suffer from a bad diet! The right fuel is one of the easiest ways to keep your equipment running strong and a simple step that can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

For the best advice on what is the best gas for a lawn mower and for all your lawn equipment needs in the Brunswick area, come see us at Southern Hardware Inc. Our team isn’t just here to sell you a new mower; we’re here to be your partners in lawn care. We’re the experts because we live and work right here, and we understand the unique challenges of keeping a yard beautiful in Brunswick and the surrounding area. So, stop by today, ask us anything, and let us help you keep your equipment in tip-top shape.