www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday May 9, 2008 - 29 Ready...Set...MOW! Helpful tips from Cliff's Lawn and Garden Equipment Ltd. It's that time of year again...you head into the shed, blow the dust off the lawnmower and yank on the string... hoping that this year, things will be different and just by adding a cap full of fresh gas and a sprinkling of colorful swear words...its gonna start right up for another season of work! Whether you do it yourself or have our expert technicians do it for you, here's some service tips you should be addressing before firing up your lawn equipment this spring. Start with fresh fuel! Almost all "difficult" or "won't start" problems experienced on the first start of the spring are the result of improper storage, which specifically relates to the gas. Old gas left in your mower OR fuel can (longer than 60 days), will have to be completely flushed out. Just mixing in fresh fuel with the old will not work. Take care to dispose of your old fuel properly. Change the oil: a simple, quick procedure that will add years onto your mowers life expectancy, yet most people never consider until its too late. Air cooled engines, such as those found on lawnmowers, tractors, pressure washers, etc. run at much hotter temperatures than liquid-cooled engines such as a car, so the oil breaks down much quicker. It is recommended to change (not just top up) your oil once a season (25hrs) to ensure proper running. Ensure you use the proper oil recommended for your engine. Replace your Air Filter: A dirty air filter will cause your engine to increase the amount of fuel used, which in turn reduces its efficiency, causing higher emissions (bad for our environment) and higher deposits of carbon in your engine (bad for the motor). Replace your Spark Plug: An inefficient spark will cause all kinds of problems from hard to start to rough running, increased emissions and lack of power. It's important to change that plug often even when it seems to be working okay. Sharpen the Blade:A sharp blade not only supplies a nice clean cut to your grass, but it also easier for your engine to do the work required. This reduces fuel consumption, toxic hydrocarbon emis- sions and increases the overall life expectancy of your equipment. Simply put, well maintained equipment will start easier, provide superior performance, and will generate less pollution. For more helpful and useful tips, please visit :www.CliffsLawn.com T.R. PAVING & INTERLOCKING INC. Specializing In Parking Lots · Driveways · Concrete Work & Interlock · Free Estimates · One Year Guarantee Ask For Vince Capobianco Toll Free: Bus: Cell: CALL FOR EARLY SPRING SPECIALS Serving North Oakville Since 1984 1.866.852.7656 905.600.2388 416.989.5712 The BEST of our Community NO DEPOSIT! PAY UPON COMPLETION!