It might seem like the safest thing to do to put your mower, tractor, or UTV away for the winter, but putting it away for months can cause just as much wear as using it a lot.
When equipment sits unused in freezing weather, wet conditions, and old fuel, small problems start to build. You turn the key in the spring, and all of a sudden, nothing works like it should.
The good news is? If you know what to look for, you can usually avoid most damage to cold storage.
This is what winter really does to your gear and how to fix it quickly.
Belts for Dry Rot
Cold, dry air is not good for rubber belts. If you sit for a long time, your belts may become stiff, crack, or get tiny splits. Belts that are weak may look fine at first, but they often snap when they are under load.
If your belts are squeaking, slipping, or not working as well as they should, they are probably the problem.
Check all of the deck and drive belts for cracks, fraying, or glazing as a solution. It doesn't cost much to replace them before the season starts, and it protects you from breakdowns in the middle of a job.
Electrical Connections That Are Rusted
Moisture in the winter causes terminals, switches, and wiring to rust and corrode. This makes bad connections that can lead to slow starts, power outages, or even complete electrical failure.
A lot of "dead battery" problems are really just cables that have corroded or connections that aren't tight.
To fix the problem, clean the battery terminals, check the wiring, and replace any broken cables or starters. New electrical parts make starting and charging work again.
Varnish and clogged fuel systems
Fuel that sits all winter slowly breaks down and gets sticky, leaving varnish inside carburetors, fuel lines, and injectors. This buildup makes it hard for fuel to flow and causes rough idling, sputtering, or hard starts.
It's one of the most common things people complain about in the spring.
To fix the problem, drain the old gas, change the fuel filter, and fill it up with new gas. If necessary, clean the carburetor or use a fuel treatment to get rid of deposits.
Tires with Flat Spots
The weight of the equipment pushes down on the same part of the tire when it sits in one place for months. Over time, this makes flat spots that make rides bumpy, make it hard to get traction, and cut unevenly.
Cold weather also lowers tire pressure, which puts more stress on the tires.
Check the pressure and look for cracks or heavy wear as a solution. Right away, replacing damaged tires makes handling and performance better.
Damage from rodents
Sadly, mice and other pests love to live in stored equipment. Wiring, insulation, and filters are things that mice and other animals like to chew on or make nests out of. Damage that isn't obvious can cause electrical problems later on.
Check under covers and around wiring harnesses for chewed or missing parts and replace anything that is broken.
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Spring repairs don't have to stop you from getting things done. You can replace worn parts and get back to work without any surprises if you find these common cold-storage problems early.
Reliable Aftermarket Parts makes it easy to find reliable aftermarket parts for belts, filters, electrical components, tires, and fuel systems all in one place. This way, you can spend less time fixing things and more time getting the job done.