What is a Riding Lawn Mower Air Filter?
Before we discuss how often you should change your riding lawn mower’s air filter, it’s important to know what an air filter does. This small but essential component filters out dirt and debris from the air that enters the engine. The filter helps prevent unwanted particles from entering the engine’s combustion chamber, thus reducing wear and tear on the engine components and prolonging the mower’s life.
How Often to Change Your Riding Lawn Mower Air Filter?
The frequency of air filter replacement depends on the type of mower and how frequently it is used. A general rule of thumb is to change the air filter every 25 hours of use, which for many homeowners means at the beginning of every mowing season.
Signs That Your Riding Lawn Mower Air Filter Needs Replacing
If you’re not sure if your air filter needs to be replaced, look for these signs:
- A dirty or clogged filter
- The engine is losing power
- The mower is consuming more gas than usual
- The engine is emitting black smoke
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to replace your air filter.
How to Replace Your Riding Lawn Mower Air Filter?
Replacing your riding lawn mower air filter is a simple task that you can do yourself. Here are the steps:
- Remove the filter cover from the riding mower engine. This usually involves unscrewing a few bolts or clips, but check your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
- Remove the old filter carefully, taking note of how it fits into its compartment.
- Clean the filter compartment if it’s dirty.
- Insert the new filter into the compartment.
- Replace the filter cover and reattach any clips or bolts.
The Bottom Line
Changing the air filter on your riding lawn mower is an important maintenance task that should be carried out regularly. By doing so, you’ll help ensure that the engine is running efficiently and prevent costly repairs down the line. Remember to always consult your owner’s manual for more information about when and how to change the air filter.
