When summer hits full stride, lawns grow faster, and your mower works harder. If your equipment is starting to show signs of wear, you're not alone. At Reliable Aftermarket Parts, we see a sharp rise in lawn mower replacement part orders during the heart of mowing season—and for good reason.
Mid-summer is when key components begin to break down after heavy use in spring. Replacing worn-out parts not only extends the life of your mower but also keeps your lawn looking sharp. Whether you're a weekend yard warrior or maintain multiple acres, here are five of the most common lawn mower parts that often need replacing this time of year.
1. Mower Blades
Blades are easily the most replaced part on any mower—and mid-summer is prime time. By now, your blades have likely seen their share of sticks, rocks, and thick grass. Dull, chipped, or bent blades won’t give your lawn that clean, even cut and can actually damage the grass, leaving it susceptible to disease.
Pro tip: Inspect your blades after every 8–10 hours of use. If sharpening no longer helps, it’s time for a replacement. At Reliable Aftermarket Parts, we carry standard, high-lift, and mulching blades for most major brands including John Deere, Cub Cadet, Husqvarna, and more.
2. Drive Belts
Belts endure a lot of wear during heavy mowing months. If you're noticing your mower losing speed, slipping, or making squealing noises, your drive belt might be stretched or cracked. A worn belt can also affect blade engagement and cutting consistency.
When inspecting your mower, look for any signs of fraying, glazing, or dry rot on the belt. Replacing a belt before it snaps can save you time and frustration later—especially if you’re in the middle of cutting a large property.
3. Air Filters
Summer dust and grass clippings can clog your air filter faster than you think. A dirty air filter reduces airflow to your engine, which can lead to reduced performance, higher fuel consumption, and even long-term damage.
Check your air filter every few weeks during the summer. If it’s visibly dirty or your mower is sputtering or losing power, replacing it is a quick fix that can make a big difference. Reliable Aftermarket Parts offers both foam and paper-style filters compatible with a wide range of mowers.
4. Spark Plugs
Many mower problems that seem complicated actually come down to a faulty spark plug. If your mower is hard to start, misfiring, or running rough, the spark plug may be fouled or worn out.
This small but critical part should be inspected and replaced at least once per mowing season. Keep a couple on hand as spares so you can make a quick swap when needed. We stock high-quality aftermarket spark plugs to keep your engine starting strong all season long.
5. Wheels and Wheel Assemblies
Summer mowing takes a toll on wheels, especially if your property has rough or uneven terrain. Cracked wheels, damaged treads, or broken bushings can make mowing harder than it needs to be.
Replacing a worn or broken wheel is often easier and more affordable than people realize. Whether you need a full wheel assembly or just the tire, we offer dependable options that restore maneuverability and help your mower glide across the grass again.
Keep Your Equipment in Top Shape
Your lawn mower is a valuable tool—treat it like one. Regularly replacing parts not only improves performance but also prevents more expensive repairs down the line. At Reliable Aftermarket Parts, we carry a wide selection of high-quality replacement parts for popular mower brands, so you can get back to work with confidence.
And if you're unsure which part fits your model? Our customer service team is here to help. Just have your model number ready, and we’ll point you in the right direction.