The answer to this question may seem obvious to some people, but understanding the impact water can have on your lawnmower is essential to making sure you keep your lawnmower in optimal condition. Many assume that lawnmowers are not intended to get wet, which is true under certain conditions, but in certain situations, exposure to water is unavoidable. Knowing how your lawnmower responds to water and the best practices for keeping your lawnmower safe when wet is important for proper lawnmower maintenance.
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What Happens to the Lawnmower if it Gets Wet?
When a lawnmower gets wet, it can cause all sorts of corrosion, rust, and other problems. This will directly affect the lawnmower’s performance and can cause significant damage if not handled properly. While there are various measures you can take to ensure your lawnmower doesn’t get wet, such as using a lawn mower cover or tarp, sometimes the unexpected happens. So, what should you do if your lawnmower gets wet?
Immediately Remove Moisture:
The first and most important thing to do to prevent any damage to your lawnmower is to immediately remove any moisture from the surface of the mower. This includes water from heavy rain, dew, or even high humidity levels. To do this, you can use a dry cloth or towel to pat the surface of your lawnmower until all of the moisture is gone. If you leave the moisture on your mower for too long, it can begin to corrode the components of your mower, leading to bigger problems down the line.
Check for Damage:
Once you’ve removed the moisture from your lawnmower, the next step is to check for any damage. This is especially important if you know your lawnmower has been exposed to a large amount of water, such as a storm. To do this, inspect all the parts of the lawnmower such as the blades, the engine, the chassis and all other parts. Look for any rust, corrosion, or signs of damage on the surface.
Clean and Lubricate the Lawnmower:
Once you’ve checked for any visible damage to the lawnmower, it’s time to clean and lubricate the lawnmower. This is important as water can cause corrosion and rust on the mower, which can lead to further damage if left unaddressed. To clean your mower, you can use a mild detergent and a damp rag. Make sure you wash off any dirt or debris on the mower. After you’ve cleaned the mower, it’s time to lubricate it.
The lubrication process will help to protect the moving parts of the lawnmower from any water damage. Using a lubricant specifically designed for lawnmowers is the best course of action. Make sure to apply the lubricant to all the moving parts and wipe off any excess.
Restart the Lawnmower:
The final step is to restart the lawnmower. This will help to determine whether or not any damage has occurred while the mower was wet. Start the mower up and look for any signs of stalling or misfiring. If everything is running smoothly, that’s a good sign that the mower has not been damaged by the water. But if you’re still experiencing any issues, you should take your mower to a professional to have it checked out.
Safety Tips for Lawnmowers in Wet Environments
Even with all these precautions, it’s still important to take steps to avoid exposing your lawnmower to moisture in the first place. Here are some safety tips to help you keep your lawnmower safe and dry:
Invest in a Cover or Tarp:
Having a cover or tarp specifically designed for your lawn mower will not only keep it from getting wet, but from other environmental hazards such as dirt, dust and debris. This will keep the mower safe from any water damage and help to extend its life.
Clean and Lubricate Often:
It’s important to keep your lawnmower running in peak condition in order to prevent any potential water damage. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help to keep your lawnmower running smoothly and keep water out.
Store the Mower Indoors:
If possible, you should store your lawnmower in a shed or other enclosed space in order to keep it protected from moisture. This will help to keep the mower safe from rain or other moisture and keep it running in optimal condition.
Bottom Line
Keeping your lawnmower safe and dry is key to proper lawnmower maintenance. While lawnmowers are not typically designed to handle water, they can be impacted by moisture in certain situations. Understanding how to respond when your lawnmower gets exposed to water and taking the necessary steps to prevent damage is essential. Follow the tips listed above to keep your lawnmower running in peak condition and maximize its longevity.