Mower Repairs You’re Paying For That Aren’t Necessary
Keeping your mower running well doesn’t mean you have to say yes to every repair suggestion. A lot of what shops recommend sounds urgent, but not all of it actually needs to be done. Some issues are cosmetic, others are easy to fix at home, and a few are blown out of proportion entirely.
If you’ve ever left the shop feeling like you got upsold, you’re probably right. Here are some mower “repairs” you can skip or handle yourself—without hurting your equipment.
Replacing the Air Filter Too Often
Yes, your mower needs a clean air filter—but not every month. Some shops will swap it out at every oil change whether it needs it or not. That adds up fast for no real gain.
Most filters last a whole season unless you’re mowing in super dusty conditions. A quick inspection and cleaning is usually enough. If it’s not falling apart or completely clogged, you’re good to go.
Paying to Sharpen Blades That Don’t Need It
Sharp blades matter, but some places push sharpening way too often. If you’re only cutting a regular lawn and not hitting rocks or sticks, your blades probably aren’t dull after a few mows.
You can usually get away with sharpening once or twice a season. Some surface nicks are fine. If your grass is still cutting clean and not tearing, don’t let someone talk you into a blade service you don’t need yet.
Swapping the Battery When It’s Just Low
A slow-starting mower doesn’t always mean the battery’s dead. Sometimes it’s a charging issue or even dirty terminals, but shops will still try to sell you a brand-new battery on the spot.
Before you agree to a replacement, check the charge and connections. Clean off any corrosion. A $5 battery terminal brush might fix what a $60 battery won’t.
Getting the Spark Plug Replaced Every Season
Spark plugs can last 100+ hours of use. Swapping them every season out of habit is unnecessary unless your mower’s having real performance issues like rough idling or trouble starting.
Instead of automatically agreeing to a plug replacement, inspect the old one. If it’s not fouled or damaged, leave it alone. You can always carry a spare for backup without paying for labor.
Paying for Fuel Line Replacements Without a Leak
Some shops push fuel line swaps during tune-ups—even if nothing’s wrong. Unless the lines are cracked, leaking, or getting gummy from ethanol exposure, they’re not a problem.
Check for flexibility and wear yourself before agreeing to any replacement. Fuel lines aren’t something that need changing unless there’s a real reason for it.
Replacing a Pull Cord That’s Only Frayed
If your pull cord looks a little worn but still works fine, you don’t need a new one yet. Some techs treat any fraying like an emergency, but cords can last a long time before they actually snap.
Keep an eye on it and replace it when it starts to really thin out. You can even DIY this repair for a few bucks and skip the labor charge altogether.
Paying for Oil Changes Too Frequently
Yes, your mower needs regular oil changes, but not every 10 hours like some places recommend. That’s overkill unless you’re mowing commercially.
Most homeowners can go 25 to 50 hours between changes depending on their mower. Track your usage, and don’t let anyone guilt you into paying for extra service that isn’t needed.
Getting the Carburetor Cleaned Prematurely
Carb cleanings are sometimes recommended after storage or rough starts, but a lot of the time it’s not the issue. Old gas, dirty filters, or clogged fuel lines cause similar symptoms.
Try fresh fuel and a little carb cleaner first. If the mower still struggles, then cleaning or rebuilding the carb might make sense. Don’t let a shop jump straight to teardown without checking the basics.
Paying for a Tune-Up When It’s Running Fine
“Annual tune-up” packages are easy money-makers. They often include things like plug swaps, air filter changes, and oil changes you may not even need yet.
If your mower is starting well, cutting clean, and running smooth, there’s no reason to hand over cash for a bundled service that doesn’t improve anything. Maintenance matters—but not busywork.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
