Lawn Mower Battery Maintenance: How to Keep Your Mower Running Smoothly
- by Joe Weber - updated on 3/6/2025
A well-maintained lawn mower battery is essential for a smooth start to your mowing season. Without proper care, you may find yourself dealing with a dead battery just when you need it most. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about lawn mower battery maintenance, from charging tips to storage best practices.
How Long Do Lawn Mower Batteries Last?
The average lifespan of a lawn mower battery is three to five years, depending on usage and maintenance. Factors like extreme temperatures, inconsistent charging, and long periods of inactivity can shorten your battery's lifespan. If your battery struggles to hold a charge or fails to start your mower, it may be time for a replacement.
How to Maintain a Lawn Mower Battery
Proper maintenance can extend the life of your battery and ensure your mower is ready when you need it. Follow these essential lawn mower battery care tips:
1. Keep Your Battery Charged
Lawn mower batteries naturally lose charge over time, especially during the off-season. However, most riding lawn mowers are equipped with alternators that help recharge the battery while the engine is running. Despite this, frequent short trips or extended storage can still lead to battery drain. To prevent deep discharge:
- Charge the battery every 30-60 days when not in use.
- Use a trickle charger or battery maintainer to keep it fully charged during storage.
X2Power battery chargers are an excellent choice for keeping your lawn mower battery charged and in top condition. Available in 2-amp, and 4-amp models, these chargers feature a float mode that helps prevent overcharging, ensuring your battery stays at an optimal charge level without damage.
2. Clean Battery Terminals
Corrosion on battery terminals can lead to poor connections and difficulty starting your mower. Keep terminals clean by:
- Mixing baking soda and water to remove buildup.
- Applying petroleum jelly or a battery terminal protectant to prevent future corrosion.
A battery terminal cleaning kit is a great tool to have in your arsenal to tackle battery terminal cleaning. It comes with everything you need to clean your battery terminals: Terminal brush, terminal protection spray, anti-corrosion spray, and terminal protectors.
We have detailed instructions on this process for you to view. Keep in mind that this article was originally intended for automotive batteries but the process is the same for your riding lawn mower.
3. Check for Damage and Loose Connections
Inspect your battery regularly for signs of wear, including:
- Cracks or swelling in the battery casing.
- Loose or corroded cables that could disrupt the connection.
- Low electrolyte levels in flooded lead-acid batteries (if applicable).
If you notice any of these issues, it may be time to replace your battery.
4. Maintain Electrolyte Levels in the Battery
If you have a flooded lead-acid battery, it may require periodic maintenance to maintain proper electrolyte levels. These batteries are not completely sealed and can lose water over time due to evaporation. If your battery has removable caps, check the water level and add distilled water as needed to keep the plates submerged.
However, if you have an AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery or another sealed battery, you don't need to add water—these are designed to be maintenance-free.
5. Store Your Battery Properly in the Off-Season
When storing your mower for the winter, follow these steps to protect the battery:
- Remove the battery from the mower.
- Store it in a cool, dry place away from extreme temperatures.
- Keep it charged using a battery maintainer to avoid sulfation.
Signs You Need a New Lawn Mower Battery
Even with proper maintenance, batteries eventually wear out. Here are signs it's time for a replacement:
- Your mower struggles to start or won't start at all.
- The battery won't hold a charge even after charging.
- Visible damage, corrosion, or swelling on the battery.
If your battery is past its lifespan or showing these symptoms, replacing it now can save you time and frustration when the mowing season begins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lawn Mower Batteries
Q: How often should I charge my lawn mower battery?
A: During the off-season, charge your battery every 30-60 days to prevent it from draining completely. If using a battery maintainer, it will keep the charge level optimal automatically.
Q: Should I remove my lawn mower battery for winter storage?
A: Yes. If you live in a cold climate, it's best to remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. Extreme cold temperatures can cause batteries to lose charge faster and even freeze, leading to permanent damage.
Q: Can I use a car battery charger on my lawn mower battery?
A: While technically possible, be careful. We don't recommend it. Most lawn mower batteries are 12V, like car batteries, but they have a much lower capacity. Use a low-amp charger (1 to 2 amps) to avoid overcharging and damaging the battery.
Q: Can I recycle my old lawn mower battery?
A: Yes! Lawn mower batteries contain lead and other hazardous materials, so they should never be thrown in the trash. Batteries Plus offers battery and even light bulb recycling to ensure proper disposal.
Q: What's Better: Gas or Battery-Powered Riding Mowers?
A: The choice between a gas-powered or battery-powered riding mower depends on your lawn size, maintenance preferences, and performance needs. If you have a large property or need more power, a gas mower may be the better choice. However, if you prefer an eco-friendly, low-maintenance operation, a battery-powered mower is a great alternative.
Find the Right Lawn Mower Battery at Batteries Plus
Need a new lawn mower battery? Batteries Plus carries a wide selection of high-quality replacement batteries for riding mowers, zero-turn mowers, and push mowers. Stop by your local Batteries Plus store for expert guidance or shop online for fast pickup.
Pro Tip: Bring in your old battery for free testing and recycling to ensure you get the best replacement for your mower!