“Can you use car gas for a lawnmower” is one of the most common dilemmas people have! Although the answer is generally yes, there are exceptions.
Namely, most lawnmower brands recommend the best type of gas in their manual and you should use that.
Risking and fueling up the machine with gas that doesn’t fit its engine or model will end up causing more damage than good in the long run!
By learning more about the lawn mower’s engines and the differences between types of gasoline, you can make a smarter decision the next time you’re at the gas station.
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Can You Use Car Gas for a Lawnmower?
There are several types of gas suitable for lawnmowers. The most popular ones that are also used to fuel cars are ethanol-free gasoline and premium octane fuel.
The decision depends on the design of the engine, the model of the lawnmower, and the power it produces when it’s at peak efficiency. Before trying to use car gas for a lawnmower, consider the fact that not every gas is suitable with all engines.
To find the best one, reach out for the user’s guide or to the manufacturer.
Most lawn mowers can work just fine with the gas you use with your car; however, always check for your lawn mower model specifically.
Some older lawn mower models don’t handle ethanol well.
And, nowadays, gasoline has up to 10 percent ethanol, so make sure you check out this as well. To ensure your lawnmower performs at its peak, opt for an automotive 87-octane gas and add a fuel stabilizer.
Why Is Fuel Stabilizer Important for Your Lawn Mower?
Fuel stabilizer helps maintain the gas’s freshness and prevents issues when using it after being stored in a container. If you don’t add a stabilizer, ensure the tank has been drained from all liquids before storage.
This decreases the risk of corrosion and other complications.
Don’t forget to consider if the type of gas meets the EPA standards.
This protects you from future fines. Namely, all fuels should have no more than 15 percent ethanol by volume, but some fuels have a higher percentage so you need to look this up too.
With this in mind, if the pump doesn’t have any labeling or it has just an “E”, make sure you ask before filling up the tank.
Premium Octane Fuel vs. Ethanol-Free Gasoline
The former is known to burn smoother than other options and the emissions are fewer.
This is why plenty of manufacturers recommend it for users who want to prolong their equipment’s lifespan and ensure a smoother and quieter activity.
On the other hand, ethanol-free gas is a great choice for equipment with a smaller engine and people looking to save on fuel. But, it’s not the best option out there if you’re worried about wear and tears in the long run.
Moreover, this gas can also influence the frequency of maintenance that the lawnmower will need.
Ethanol-free gas may trigger frequent clogging and other issues whereas premium octane tends to lower engine knocking when the gas is low.
Consider these factors and determine which one your engine will work with best.
Two-Stroke vs. Four-Stroke Engine-What’s the Difference?
Engines of lawnmowers can be of two types, that is, a two-stroke or a four-stroke one. The former has been present since the late 1800s and it demands regular maintenance for reliable performance.
This gasoline engine’s piston turns twice for every crank revolution unlike once which is the case with the four-stroke one. This means that there’s only one power stroke per crankshaft rotation.
With a four-stroke model, the strokes are two.
The two-stroke engine is more responsive than its popular counterpart, the four-stroke one. However, it needs a bit more gas simultaneously, making its use less economical in the long run.
Using ethanol fuel with lower octane percentage than regular fuel or premium gas requires more attention. You need to ensure the equipment isn’t subjected to extreme temperatures so that engine knock is prevented.
On the other hand, a four-stroke engine is considered safer and more reliable. This is because the maintenance need is lower than the one with other types. It has two valves opening at different times during the operation.
One opens on the downward stroke and the other remains closed until after the combustion. Therefore, there are two power strokes per revolution.
Which Gas Is Best for my Lawn Mower Engine?
When deciding on fuel for your lawnmower, there are several factors to consider. When possible, use ethanol-free gas with a high octane rate of 91 or higher. This fuel lowers the engine knocking and consequently, the need for maintenance.
If you need maximum power at all times, the gas needs to be boosted with premium additives so that the energy being released through combustion is higher.
Ethanol-free gas is great if you want to extend your machine’s lifespan and enjoy a quieter operation. But, this is also a costlier option, but it’s worth it if you care to prevent long-term damage.
No matter the type you choose, make sure it can work with the type of engine your lawnmower has.
Where to Purchase Gas for a Lawn Mower?
The answer depends on where you live. In the rural areas, finding a gas station to fill up a tank with gas or other fuel is possible, which isn’t the case in more populated areas.
At the stations of some of the biggest chains, you can find both oil-based gasoline and ethanol blends such as E85 occasionally; however, it’s not guaranteed that they’ll have it throughout the whole year.
Generally speaking, gas stations are full- or self-service. So, make sure you know what you need before you go to buy gas. The full-serve fuels may be costlier, but they do have other advantages like free air and water.
In some areas, you can find only certain gasoline types and this could end up making you spend money on something your lawnmower nor car will benefit from.
There’s also a difference in price between the ethanol gas which tends to be cheaper than the one that’s free of it.
But, you should only use the ethanol one if your car is compatible with it; with lawnmowers, it’s not recommendable due to the higher risk of engine damage.
Final Thoughts
Although the answer to the most common question “can you use car gas for a lawnmower” is positive, this applies only to certain types of fuels like premium octane and ethanol-free.
Choosing between these two also depends on the engine, i.e. whether it’s a two- or a four-stroke one.
All in all, when you ensure only quality gas goes into your lawnmower and car, you help prolong the engine’s lifespan and protect your investment.
The best way to ensure you’re using the right type of gas is to consult the manufacturer or check out the user’s guide for the recommended gas.