Most lawn mowers use regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. It is important to use clean, fresh gas and avoid gasoline containing more than 10% ethanol (E10) because higher ethanol blends like E15 or E85 can damage small engines by corroding fuel components and causing performance issues. Ethanol-free gas (pure gasoline) is even better, especially if the mower is not used often. Premium gas with a higher octane rating (91 or above) is usually not necessary and does not provide significant benefits unless specifically recommended by the mower's manufacturer. Additional tips:
- Use fuel that is less than 30 days old or add a fuel stabilizer to keep it fresh.
- Avoid storing gasoline with ethanol for long periods as it attracts moisture, which can cause clogging and corrosion.
- When storing the mower for extended periods, run the engine until the gas tank is empty to prevent fuel degradation.
In summary, use regular unleaded gasoline, 87 octane or above, with no more than 10% ethanol content for your lawn mower for the best performance and longevity.
