Routine Maintenance Schedule
Establishing a routine maintenance schedule is crucial for keeping your small engine running smoothly and extending its lifespan. As a homeowner, you'll want to create a calendar-based plan that accounts for both usage frequency and seasonal changes. This schedule should include regular tasks such as oil changes, air filter cleaning or replacement, and spark plug inspections, which are the backbone of small engine care.
The frequency of maintenance tasks will vary depending on the type of equipment and how often it's used. For example, a lawnmower used weekly during the growing season will require more frequent oil changes than a snow blower used only a few times each winter. Generally, you should aim to change the oil every 50 hours of use or at least once per season, whichever comes first. Air filters should be checked before each use and cleaned or replaced as needed, while spark plugs typically need attention every 100 hours of operation or annually.