Can You Use Synthetic Oil in a Lawn Mower?

Straight to the point – yes, you can use synthetic oil in your lawn mower.

As long as your lawn mower’s owner’s manual says it is compatible. This is especially true for two-stroke or two-cycle engines. These engines should only be used with the specified oil for them. Using other oils will damage the engine.

There are also a lot of brands that offer synthetic oil specifically for lawn mowers.

What Is Synthetic Oil?

Oil is an important product that we need to use every day. Oil is also known as crude oil or petroleum.

It’s found naturally underground and is refined to make gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, heating oil, lubricants, and other products.

On the other hand, synthetic oil is made from petroleum products like gasoline and diesel fuel.

It’s designed to burn cleanly and efficiently. 

Difference Between Synthetic Oil and Conventional Oil

We add oil in motors to protect and lubricate the parts, so they run smoothly. 

Synthetic offers great lubrication. That means it protects the engine from wear better and makes the system run smoother.

It also lasts longer than conventional oils like mineral oil. That’s why many prefer it because they don’t have to change oils as often.

Compared to conventional oil, synthetic oil is better at lubrication. Plus, it works better on a broader temperature range.

Conventional oil has a more limited temperature range. It gets thicker in cold temperature and thinner in hot temperature. 

Synthetic oil is engineered to perform well in a variety of environments and even on temperature extremes. Synthetic oil is engineered to have a more stable consistency in both cold temperature and hot temperatures. 

Sludge and deposits build up on engines, and this causes them to run poorly. Synthetic oil picks up dirt in the oil system better. So, your motor gets cleaner and optimized every time you change oil.

Up to this point, it seems like synthetic oil is the only way to go, but that’s not always the case. 

Due to its efficacy, synthetic oil burns off faster. It’s also more pricey than conventional oil. 

So, if you’re mowing smaller yards in consistently warm weather, conventional oil and synthetic oil won’t have much difference for you aside from the price. 

How to Use Synthetic Oil in a Lawnmower

The most important step is checking if you can even use synthetic oil in your lawn mower. Refer to your owner’s manual to see if the manufacturer recommends the use of synthetic oil.

There may also be some information on what brand and synthetic oil weight are the best for your unit. Do this before you start anything. 

If you’re now certain that your lawn mower is compatible with synthetic oil, here is what you have to do:

1. Warm the oil that’s currently in the mower engine. 

To do this, run your mower for about 60 seconds, then turn it off.

Make sure to park it on a level surface. This will ensure that the crankcase will drain properly. 

Warm oil is easier to drain. 

2. Drain the oil while it’s still warm. 

Before you actually drain, clean the area around the drain plug. You also need to prepare a container to catch the old oil (preferably a watertight container.

To drain, find and remove the drain plug. Refer to your owner’s manual to locate the drain plug – it will differ per unit type and brand. You will need an adjustable wrench for this type.

Also, be careful when touching the oil or the engine. They might be hot.

3. Change the oil filter.

For this, you’ll have to remove the oil filter with an oil filter wrench. Most oil filters are around the side of the motor, near the bottom of the engine. 

You can screw in the new oil filter after you run a bead of oil around the rubber gasket of it.

4. Pour in the new synthetic oil. 

You need to remove the oil fill cap (usually a dipstick) then pour the oil into the mower’s crankcase.

Make sure to use the manufacturer’s recommended brand, weight, and amount, if there’re any. 

After you fill the mower’s crankcase, replace the oil fill cap/dipstick securely.

5. Inspect for any leaks.

Run the engine for a while and check the oil drain plug and oil filter for any leakage. Tighten the part you see any leak. 

6. Check the oil level

To make sure your mower is ready for use, check that that oil is at the right level. 

To do this, turn off the engine and let it sit for a while. This will allow the oil to go back to the crankcase. Next, remove the dipstick from the oil fill tube and wipe it clean. Then, put it back in the oil fill tube completely and remove. 

Once removed, check that the oil level is between the “Fill” and “Add” marks on the dipstick. If so, your mower is ready to go!

How Often Do I Change Synthetic Oil in My Mower?

Oil changes are important for any engine. It helps maintain the machine and make it last longer.

Lawnmowers need regular oil changes too. A lawnmower needs an oil change after every 50 hours of use.

You should change your engine oil and oil filters every 50 hours of use or at least once every spring or summer.

 But, if you are driving a lot or riding a mower in a dusty environment, oil changes should be done more often. If there are any contamination or metal pieces in your current oil, replace it immediately to avoid any engine damage.

Conclusion

Synthetic oil can be an excellent product for your lawn mower – if it’s compatible. It can also offer many benefits – if you need them.

Overall, you just need to learn if synthetic oil is something you need.

And, if you do – well, this guide is already here for you!