When you have mowed your lawn for the last time, drain the mower according to the manufacturer’s instructions (if this can be done easily). Store the gasoline in an approved storage container or use it in your car. Any remaining gasoline may be removed by running the mower engine until it stops. Adding a small amount of oil through the spark plug port will also help your mower get through the winter. Alternatively, minimize the air space in the tank by filling your mower with a gasoline and gasoline stabilizer combination. Run the engine for a short time to draw the stabilized fuel into the carburetor. Close the engine’s valves. In hand-pull starter mowers, this is done by simply pulling the hand-pull until you feel resistance. A vapor barrier can be made with aluminum foil secured with tape. Lastly, store your mower in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight. Sources: Dwane Miller, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Monroe Co. Ext. Times, Nov./Dec. 2000, Vol. 2000, No. 6