Introduction
Choosing the right fuel is one of the easiest ways to keep your lawn mower running well and lasting longer. Many people ask, what type of fuel does a lawn mower use and whether premium gas is worth it. Most lawn mowers are designed to run on regular 87 octane unleaded gas, the same fuel used in cars, as long as it contains no more than 10 percent ethanol. So yes, lawn mowers take regular gas, and it works well for most 4-stroke engines.
Using the wrong fuel can lead to hard starts, poor performance, or even engine damage. In some cases, it can also void your warranty. If you do not use your mower often, premium non‑ethanol gas may be a better choice because it stores longer and reduces carburetor issues.
Knowing whether to use regular or premium gas for a lawn mower depends on how often you mow, your engine type, and how long the fuel will sit. Using fresh fuel with the right octane keeps your mower starting easily and helps prevent costly repairs.
How to Know What Fuel Your Lawn Mower Uses
The easiest way to know what fuel your lawn mower needs is to check the owner’s manual or ask your dealer. I once bought a used mower and wasn’t sure what gas to use. A quick look at the manual told me it needed regular 87-octane gas, just like a car, but without oil mixed in.
Most walk-behind and riding mowers have 4-stroke engines. They use straight, fresh unleaded gasoline. 2-stroke engines, found in some older or handheld tools, need a mix of gas and oil. To tell which engine you have, look for a separate oil fill cap. If your mower has a separate oil reservoir, it’s a 4-stroke. If you mix oil with gas, it’s a 2-stroke.
So, do lawn mowers use the same gas as cars? Yes, many do, as long as the gas is fresh and contains no more than 10% ethanol. Do you use regular gas in your lawn mower? Yes—regular 87-octane is fine for most models. Premium non-ethanol fuel can improve storage life and reduce engine deposits, which is helpful if your mower sits unused for months.
Stroke Lawn Mower Fuel Recommendations
Most 4-stroke lawn mowers, including popular brands like Briggs & Stratton, Kawasaki, Honda, and Kohler, run best on 87-octane unleaded petrol. These engines are E10 compatible, meaning they can handle gas with up to 10% ethanol. Always use fresh unleaded petrol for lawn mowers to prevent starting issues and carburetor damage.
Premium non-ethanol fuel can extend engine life, but regular unleaded gas is safe for most 4-stroke models. Check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations. If your mower is used often, 87-octane fuel is usually enough to keep it running smoothly.
Stroke Engines: What to Mix with Gas
If you have a 2-stroke mower or handheld tool, you need to mix gas with 2-stroke oil before filling the tank. The correct fuel mix for a lawn mower is often 50:1 or 40:1, depending on the manufacturer.
I keep a small fuel bottle with measuring lines to make mixing easy. I pour in the right amount of oil first, then add fresh gas and shake gently. This helps prevent mistakes and keeps the engine protected.
So, what do you mix with gas for a lawn mower? Use high-quality 2-stroke oil made for air-cooled engines. Always follow the ratio in your manual to avoid smoke, poor performance, or engine damage.
Regular vs Premium Gas: What’s Better for Lawn Mowers?
Most lawn mowers are designed to run on regular 87-octane unleaded gas, making it the standard and most cost-effective choice. So yes, lawn mowers take regular gas, and it works well for most 4-stroke engines if the fuel is fresh and has no more than 10% ethanol.
Premium gas usually has a higher octane rating, such as 91 or 93, and sometimes comes ethanol-free. While using premium gas won’t increase power, it can help small engines, like those on trimmers or leaf blowers, last longer—especially if they sit unused for months. Ethanol-free gas is also less likely to cause corrosion or gum buildup in the carburetor during storage.
So, regular or premium gas for a lawn mower? For everyday mowing, regular 87-octane unleaded is fine. But the best gas for a lawn mower that will be stored for a long time is 91-octane, ethanol-free fuel. I often use non-ethanol gas in my smaller tools and during winter storage because it keeps the engine clean and avoids starting issues in spring.
Using the right fuel is more about freshness and ethanol content than octane. If you mow often, regular unleaded gas is enough. If you store fuel for months or have high-end small engines, non-ethanol premium gas is worth the extra cost.
Ethanol-Free vs Ethanol Gas: Which Is Safer for Your Engine?
Using ethanol free gas for a lawn mower can make a big difference in performance and engine life. Ethanol in regular gas attracts moisture, which can lead to corrosion, clogged carburetors, and harder starts—especially after winter storage. Ethanol-blended gas also has a shorter shelf life, often degrading within 30 days.
Ethanol-free gas lasts longer in storage, produces cleaner combustion, and is less likely to damage fuel system parts. Many users notice the difference right away. One mower owner shared, “After switching to non-ethanol gas, my mower starts smoother after storage and doesn’t need as many carburetor cleanings.”
So, what’s the best gas for a lawn mower ethanol-free? Premium non-ethanol fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher is ideal, especially for small engines or equipment that is not used daily. While it costs more and can be harder to find, it helps prevent costly repairs and extends the life of engines from brands like Briggs & Stratton, Honda, and Kawasaki.
If you mow often and go through gas quickly, regular E10 fuel works fine. But if your mower or tools sit for months, ethanol-free gas is the safer choice. It ensures smooth starts, reduces rust risk, and protects seals and gaskets from damage.
Where to Buy Petrol for Lawn Mower Engines
You can buy petrol for lawn mower engines at most local gas stations, as long as you choose fresh unleaded fuel with no more than 10% ethanol. Many hardware stores and farm supply shops also sell small engine fuel in cans.
Fuel Tips to Make Your Lawn Mower Last Longer
Keeping your mower in good shape starts with how you handle fuel. Here are some tips I follow to avoid engine problems and make my mower last for years.
1. Store fuel properly.
I always keep gas in an approved container, tightly sealed, and stored in a cool, dry place. Old gas can break down in as little as 30 days, leading to hard starts and clogged carburetors.
2. Use a fuel stabilizer.
Every time I fill my gas can, I add a stabilizer like STA-BIL 360 Protection. It keeps gas fresh for months and prevents corrosion in the fuel system. If I know I won’t use the mower for a while, I run the engine for two minutes after filling it with treated gas to circulate it through the carburetor.
3. Don’t let gas sit for months.
At the end of the season, I either use up the remaining gas or drain the tank. If untreated fuel sits in the mower over winter, it can cause gumming and damage.
If you’re unsure about your engine type, look for a separate oil fill cap. If there’s one, it’s a 4-stroke. If you mix oil with gas, it’s a 2-stroke. For 2-stroke mowers, always follow the manual for the right fuel mix for a lawn mower, usually 50:1 or 40:1.
By storing fresh gas, adding stabilizer, and knowing the right fuel type, my mower starts easily every spring. These small steps save money on repairs and keep the engine running smoothly for years.
FAQS
Q1: What type of fuel does a lawn mower use?
A1: Most lawn mowers use regular 87-octane unleaded gas with up to 10% ethanol for good performance.
Q2: Do lawn mowers take regular gas or premium gas?
A2: Lawn mowers usually run well on regular gas, but premium non-ethanol fuel helps with long-term engine health.
Q3: Can I use ethanol-free gas in my lawn mower?
A3: Yes, ethanol-free gas is best for small engines to prevent corrosion and improve storage life.
Q4: How do I know if my lawn mower is 2-stroke or 4-stroke?
A4: If you mix oil with gas, it’s 2-stroke; if it has a separate oil fill cap, it’s 4-stroke.
Q5: What is the correct fuel mix for a 2-stroke lawn mower?
A5: Use a 50:1 or 40:1 gas-to-oil mix, following the mower’s manual for best results.
Q6: How long can gasoline sit in a lawn mower tank?
A6: Gasoline can degrade after 30 days; use fuel stabilizers to keep it fresh longer.
Q7: Can using wrong fuel damage my lawn mower?
A7: Yes, wrong fuel can cause engine damage, poor starts, and may void warranties.
Q8: Where can I buy petrol for lawn mower engines?
A8: Buy at gas stations, hardware stores, or pre-mixed fuel brands like TruFuel.
