Bob Vila Radio: Fall Equipment Prep

As the weather gets colder, it’s a good idea to do some fall maintenance on your outdoor equipment and put it to bed right.

mp3_link

Listen toBOB VILA ON FALL EQUIPMENT PREP, or read the text below:

While you could add stabilizer to the gas tank in the fall and hope for the best, gasoline seriously degrades over the winter and can gum up and ruin a small engine. If you have gasoline-burning tools like tractors, chain saws, lawn mowers, leaf blowers or trimmers, drain any gas left from the summer and fill the tank with fresh gas. And don’t forget to change the oil.

At the beginning of next season, you’ll want to charge batteries on electric starters or rechargeable tools, so make a note about replacing any that are more than 4 years old. Sharpen and grease blades and change line trimmer heads so you’re ready when the grass starts growing again.

Inspect tires for wear and check wear points for any damage. If you don’t have a fully protected storage area to park your equipment over the winter, this is a great time to think about investing in a shed.

Bob Vila Radiois a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.

For more on fall maintenance, consider:

Fall Home Maintenance Tips
Checklist: Fall Home Maintenance
3 Fall Lawn Maintenance Tasks