10 Mower Maintenance Habits That Are a Waste of Time

Some mower maintenance tips get passed around like gospel—but not all of them are worth your time. In fact, some of the most common habits do little to extend your mower’s life or improve performance. Others are flat-out outdated or based on old-school advice that doesn’t apply to modern engines.

If you’re short on time and want to focus on what actually matters, these are the habits you can skip without feeling guilty.

Changing the Oil After Every Few Mows

Unless you’re running a mower commercially or dealing with extreme conditions, changing the oil every few mows is overkill. Most residential mowers only need an oil change once per season or after 25 to 50 hours of use.

Over-maintaining like this wastes time and oil without any real benefit. Instead, check the oil level and color occasionally and follow your manual’s recommended interval. More isn’t better here—consistent care is.

Sharpening Blades Every Time You Mow

Blades don’t dull after one cut, even on tough grass. Sharpening them after every mow takes time and wears them out faster than necessary. Unless you’re hitting rocks or mowing sandy terrain, you’re probably fine sharpening a few times per season.

Check the blade edges regularly, and only sharpen when there’s a noticeable dip in cutting quality. If your lawn starts looking ragged or torn instead of cleanly cut, that’s your signal—not the calendar.

Replacing the Air Filter Too Often

Swapping out the air filter every few weeks is more wasteful than helpful unless you’re mowing in dust storms. Most filters can be cleaned and reused for a good while before needing replacement.

Give it a quick check once in a while, especially if you’ve been mowing dry or dusty areas. If it’s packed with debris or visibly torn, replace it. Otherwise, a light cleaning is usually enough.

Washing the Mower With a Hose Every Week

Spraying down your mower with a hose after every use might make it look clean, but it’s not doing your engine or bearings any favors. Water can sneak into electrical connections, seals, or fuel systems and lead to rust or corrosion.

Use a brush or air compressor to knock off clippings and dirt instead. Save the full wash for the end of the season when you’re prepping it for storage.

Running the Tank Dry After Every Use

Draining your gas after every mow isn’t necessary unless you plan to store the mower long-term. Regularly running the tank dry can strain the carburetor and doesn’t give you any maintenance benefit in return.

If your mower runs on ethanol-blended fuel, using a stabilizer and fresh gas during the season is usually all you need. Save the drain-down routine for winterizing.

Over-Greasing the Bearings or Spindles

Grease is good, but too much can be just as bad as too little. Over-greasing can force seals open or attract dirt and debris, which leads to faster wear instead of better protection.

Stick to the manufacturer’s schedule and only apply a few pumps when it’s due. If grease starts oozing out, back off—more won’t help.

Topping Off Oil Without Checking Levels

Topping off your oil without checking the level first can lead to overfilling, which causes pressure buildup and leaks. Engines don’t like too much oil any more than they like too little.

Always check the dipstick before adding anything. If the oil level is still within the safe range and looks clean, you don’t need to add more. Save yourself the mess and the maintenance headache.

Replacing Spark Plugs Too Frequently

Swapping spark plugs every season isn’t always necessary—especially if your mower starts up easily and runs smooth. Spark plugs can last several years in most residential machines.

Check the condition before replacing. If there’s heavy carbon buildup or cracking, go ahead and change it. Otherwise, you’re throwing away a part that still has plenty of life left.

Constantly Adjusting the Deck Height

Unless you’re mowing wildly different types of grass every week, constantly fiddling with your deck height is usually more of a time suck than anything else. Most yards do fine with a consistent setting for the season.

Pick a height that suits your grass type and stick with it. Over-adjusting doesn’t help the mower—and it won’t make up for other lawn issues like poor watering or compacted soil.

Bagging Clippings Every Time

Bagging your clippings every mow might make your yard look cleaner, but you’re missing out on free nutrients. Grass clippings decompose fast and return nitrogen to the soil, which can reduce your need for fertilizer.

Unless you’re dealing with disease, heavy weeds, or clumps, there’s no reason to haul off every last clipping. Mulching saves time and helps your lawn at the same time.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.