Wondering how to know when your lawnmower needs a service? Discover the clear signs your mower might need repairs or a professional tune-up.
Lawnmowers are great for keeping your garden tidy, but they need some care too. Just like a car or bike, they work better when they’re checked and cleaned regularly. If your mower isn’t working quite right, it might be time for a service.
It’s Harder to Start Than Usual
If your mower takes lots of pulls to get going, or won’t start at all, that’s a sign something’s wrong. Common causes include a dirty spark plug, stale fuel, or a blocked air filter. These small problems stop the engine from firing up like it should.
A proper service will fix all of that. The spark plug can be cleaned or replaced, old fuel drained, and clogged filters swapped out. After that, your mower should start much more easily and reliably.
If your mower struggles to start after sitting for a while, or only starts on warm days, that’s another sign that it’s time for maintenance. Servicing helps make sure it starts first time, every time.
The Engine Sounds Rough or Unusual
Your mower should sound smooth and steady when it’s running. If you hear clunking, rattling, popping, or any other odd noise, that could mean something inside is loose or worn. It may also be low on oil or have dirty moving parts.
A service includes replacing old oil, cleaning the engine, tightening parts, and checking for wear and tear. Fixing these things early helps your mower run better and prevents more serious damage in the future.
Regular oil changes and engine checks make your mower last longer and reduce the risk of sudden breakdowns during mowing season.
The Blades Aren’t Cutting Properly
If your lawn looks rough or uneven after mowing, the blades may be dull or damaged. Instead of cutting, they’re tearing the grass — which can cause yellow patches and make your lawn look untidy.
In a service, the blades will be removed, inspected, and sharpened. If they’re bent, nicked, or cracked, they’ll be replaced. With sharp, even blades, your grass gets a cleaner cut, looks better, and stays healthier.
Well-maintained blades also make mowing quicker and easier because they glide through grass more smoothly.
You Notice Smoke or a Burning Smell
If smoke comes from your mower, or you smell burning, switch it off straight away. This could mean the engine is overheating, oil is low, or parts are rubbing together too much.
These signs shouldn’t be ignored. A service will fix the problem safely — by topping up or replacing oil, cleaning out debris, and checking that all moving parts are working properly.
Ignoring these smells or smoke could lead to costly repairs or even a completely broken mower, so it’s best to act quickly.
It’s Been a Year or More Since the Last Service
Even if everything seems fine, your mower still needs yearly servicing. Dust, dirt, old fuel, and worn parts can build up over time — even if you only use it now and then.
During a service, your machine is cleaned, oiled, checked, and adjusted. Filters are replaced, cables tightened, and parts tested to make sure they’re safe and ready for another season of use.
Regular servicing helps prevent sudden problems, keeps your mower running better for longer, and saves you money in the long run by avoiding bigger repairs later on.
Keep your garden tools running smoothly with expert servicing and repairs from our specialist team in Northampton.
Need reliable lawn mower repairs or garden machinery maintenance in Northamptonshire? We provide full servicing for all makes and models, including ride-on mowers, hedge trimmers, strimmers and more.