Gasoline-powered outdoor tools are a staple for many homeowners nationwide, but each spring some users are surprised when their equipment won’t start because it wasn’t stored or winterized correctly. Proper care during storage and thoughtful preparation before use can prevent frustrating breakdowns and extend the life of your equipment.
The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) offers practical guidance to help homeowners and small business owners keep outdoor power equipment reliable. Following these recommendations helps ensure machines run efficiently and are ready when needed.
One key area OPEI emphasizes is choosing the right fuel. Most outdoor power equipment is designed to run on gasoline containing up to 10 percent ethanol (E10). Higher ethanol blends—such as E15, E30, or E85—are increasingly common at retail pumps, but they are often incompatible with small engines and can lead to performance issues or damage.
“As fuel options in the marketplace evolve, it’s important for consumers to select the correct fuel for each product,” says Kiser. “Protect your equipment by using proper fueling practices.”
He adds, “Avoid misfueling. Use gasoline with no more than 10 percent ethanol (E10) in chainsaws, portable generators, snow throwers, trimmers, blowers and other small-engine outdoor power equipment.”
Practical safety and maintenance tips for homeowners and small businesses:
Tip #1: Read the owner’s manual. Always follow the manufacturer’s fueling and operating instructions and become familiar with the controls. If you’ve misplaced the manual, many manufacturers provide digital copies online.
Tip #2: Inspect the equipment. Before starting, check for loose belts, frayed cables, missing fasteners, or other damaged components. Replace worn parts or have the equipment serviced by a qualified technician when necessary.
Tip #3: Clean the machine. Remove grass clippings, dirt, leaves and other debris. A clean machine runs cooler and more efficiently, and it’s easier to spot potential problems.
Tip #4: Drain stale fuel. Gasoline left in the tank for more than 30 days without a stabilizer can degrade and cause hard starting, rough running, or even fuel-system damage. When in doubt, drain and replace old fuel.
Tip #5: Use only E10 or lower. Fuels containing more than 10 percent ethanol can harm small engines not designed for them, and using such fuel may violate equipment warranties or regulations.
Tip #6: Label fuel containers. Mark the date of purchase and the ethanol level on your fuel cans. Never pour “unknown” or clearly old gasoline into outdoor equipment—dispose of it safely and refuel with fresh gas.
Tip #7: Store fuel safely. Keep gasoline in approved containers, stored in a cool, ventilated area away from open flames, pilot lights or other heat sources, and out of reach of children and pets.
Tip #8: Don’t fuel a hot engine. Allow the engine to cool before adding gasoline to reduce the risk of ignition and to avoid spills.
Following these simple maintenance and fueling practices will help protect your investment, improve reliability, and keep your outdoor power equipment running smoothly season after season.