Leonard Bartlett
We all know that oil is necessary and very important for the operation of our mower. Also, regular maintenance of the mower involves changing the oil. Many people wonder if car oil can be used for your lawn mower as well? In this article, we will answer that, but also a number of other questions related to the oil of your mower.
While this may not seem like such an important thing, regular oil changes can save you a lot of money by avoiding unnecessary breakdowns. The first and basic step is to know which oil is right and the best choice for a lawn mower.
Oil quality
Before we embark on a more detailed analysis of the problem, the answer to the question of whether you can use automotive oil in your lawn mower is yes, you can.
But the emphasis is on the quality of the oil, it has to be high quality. If you want the mower to work long and successfully, you also need quality oil. The SAE 30 is an example of such a quality oil, but we definitely recommend you to study the manual for your mower and see what suits it best. Your car can also use lower-quality oil, which is not recommended for a lawn mower. Therefore, check everything well before use.
When to change the oil in your lawn mower
This is also a very important question. Follow the rule that the oil in the mower should be changed at the same time interval as the oil in the car. Be sure to do so if you live in an area with a dry climate where tiny dust particles can be more easily found in the oil. It's advisable to change the oil at the beginning of each year and make it a habit. This is a general rule, but it certainly depends on the age of your mower and how often you use it. Also, if smoke comes out of the mower during operation or your dipstick turns black after checking, it's time to change the oil.
How to change the oil
If you’ve determined it’s time to change the oil, here’s how. If you have a newer and modern mower, it should definitely have a special oil drain plug. This will make your job a lot easier. First and foremost, make sure the oil tank is completely empty so you can see how much oil you have filled. Likewise, it's not recommended to mix old oil with a new one, especially if their consistency differs.
Final thoughts
It's possible to use the same oil for your car and your lawn mower, but take care of the quality. Avoid generic oils that may contain various additives that can harm your mower. Let SAE 30 be an example for you because you can't go wrong with it. Inform yourself well before changing the oil as some mowers require a special type of oil. Besides the quality, the viscosity of the oil is also important, and if it is at a satisfactory level with car oil, feel free to use it for your mower as well.
