From dull blades to neglected oil changes, overlooked mower maintenance tasks can result in costly repairs and unexpected downtime for homeowners. According to outdoor equipment manufacturer Toro, a well-cared for lawn mower can last for generations, but without proper maintenance, it may not even last the season. 

As the experts at Toro explain, committing just a small amount of time to maintenance will help ensure you're prepared for the mowing season ahead. Be sure to take care of the following tasks before spring is in full bloom:

General mower maintenance tasks
While gas and battery-powered mowers have different maintenance requirements, these tips are universally applicable to all types of mowers:

- Inspect screws, bolts and other components. Tighten or replace them if needed.

- Remove the battery or disconnect spark plugs. Then, while using protective gloves, remove stuck-on grass and debris from the underside of the mower. When tipping the mower on its side, ensure the air filter is facing up and the oil dipstick is facing down. This will prevent oil from getting into the air filter area.

- Check the mower blades for sharpness and sharpen or replace them if needed. Sharpening is recommended for every 25 hours of operation, while replacement is only necessary if the blades are nicked or broken.

According to Toro, when mower blades have not been properly maintained, they can actually damage grass, leaving it to brown quickly and harm the plant itself. Dull and damaged cutting blades tend to tear the grass blade versus cut it.

Gas-powered mower maintenance

- Inspect the spark plugs to ensure the lead-in connector is clean, in good condition and attached securely to the top of the plug.

- Empty the fuel tank if fuel is left over from last season. Then, fill it with fresh fuel. It's best to use fuel that's less than 30 days old.

- Replace the oil and air filter. Doing so keeps the engine in top shape, sparing users from an oil-related repair later.

- Test the recoil system. It should be retracting properly and free of any fraying. If there is damage to the rope, consider replacing it.

Battery-powered mower maintenance

- Test the battery by charging it for 24 hours (or until the battery indicates full charge), then start up the mower.

While many of the above maintenance tasks can be handled at home, be sure to reach out to your local dealer for any assistance or if you're unsure what needs to be done or how.