Ah, June. the days are long, and the weather’s getting toasty. But before you slather yourself with SPF 75 and reach for a margarita, do yourself a favor and tackle a few maintenance projects. A little pain now means a big gain later—you’ll ensure your home runs smoothly through the dog days of summer. But don’t worry; the folks at realtor.com want to make it as easy on you as possible. Here’s one that can make a big difference to whether or not you keep your lawn and garden looking healthy through the summer months: Pimp Your Ride (riding lawnmower, that is)!
Use compressed air or a leaf blower to clear grass, dirt, and debris that have accumulated in your riding lawn mower. Drain old fuel into an approved gasoline can, and follow hazardous waste disposal regulations to get rid of it. Then, change your oil and filter: the pros recommend letting the mower run for a bit before getting started. If you have a foam air filter, clean it with soap and water, and make sure it’s dry before reinstalling. Finally, change the spark plugs. “This simple but crucial task will help the mower start smoother and run more efficiently,” says Chris Granger, vice president of Sears Home Services.
When to call in the pros: On average, professional lawn mower maintenance and repair will cost $35 to $90, but could increase depending on the complexity of the job and whether new parts are needed.
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