Lawn mower maintenance for your DIY garden

Summer time means that our lawn takes centre stage as we begin to spend a lot more time outdoors playing, entertaining and generally enjoying the long hot days in your DIY garden.

An important part of caring for your lawn is making sure your mower is in a fit state to do the job.

One popular area of mower care are the blades - sharp blades make the job easier, meaning less pushing as the mower glides over the grass effortlessly. They will need to be replaced regularly and this can usually be done by simply unscrewing the central bolt with an adjustable spanner.

The spark plug and filter may also need to be replaced. Spark plugs cost very little, yet they are often the main reason why lawn mowers fail to start. Replace dirty filters and ensure that the casing is emptied on a regular basis - it can often contain grass and bugs, disrupting the airflow to the filter and the engine.

The fuel line should also be checked - the plastic tube leading from the tank to the inlet pipe should be removed, cleared of any foreign matter and replaced.

Along with fuel, lubrication is also essential. For two-stroke engines, an appropriate oil should be used in correct proportion with fuel, while four-stroke engines require the oil level to be changed separately.

Before beginning your next mowing task, ensure that the pull cord is well-tensioned, so that there is no slackness present - this will provide smooth starting.