If you are a homeowner who has invested in a riding lawn mower, you'll be glad to know that if it's properly maintained, it can last more than 20 years. If you're not sure how to maintain your lawnmower, here are four tips for doing so.

1. Change the Oil

Any type of vehicle that has an engine needs oil to help lubricate the moving parts. You probably change your car's oil on a regular basis, and you should do the same for your riding lawnmower. Your lawn mower's oil and filter should be changed after every 50 hours of use.

If you don't keep track of how long you use your lawnmower, you should change the oil and filter at least once in the summer and once in the spring. You'll also want to use the correct kind of engine oil for your mower. You can find this information in your owner's manual.

2. Keep It Inside

If it's possible, you will want to keep your riding lawn mower inside the garage or a shed. Keeping it inside will protect it from the damaging elements of rain and wind. You might also want to put a tarp over it to protect it from the dust.

3. Properly Winterize It

No matter what state you live in, there is a good chance that you won't be using your riding lawn mower during the winter months. Before putting it into storage for the winter, there are some things you will need to do first. This is called winterizing.

Here are some tips for properly winterizing your riding lawn mower:

• Empty all the fuel
• Remove the battery and keep it in a warm place
• Remove the spark plug
• Clean or replace the air and fuel filters
• Clean the mowing deck and spray it with lubricant
• Sharpen the blades and replace any damaged ones

It might take some time to winterize your lawnmower, but you'll be glad you did when you need to use it again in the spring.

4. Keep It Clean

Mowing the lawn is a dirty job and your mower is bound to get grime, dirt, mud, and grass on it. When the blades get debris stuck on them, it impedes the function of the lawnmower. For optimal performance, wash it on a regular basis. Pressure washing is the best way to get your lawnmower clean.

Before washing your lawn mower, disconnect the spark plug and the blades. Working from top to bottom, wash the tires, blades, and other moving parts. After it's dry, you can reconnect the spark plugs and reattach the blades.

For help pressure washing your mower, look into companies like Zeal Home Improvements.