(NC) Now that winter has passed, homeowners are starting to gather their tools to prepare for a new season of yardwork. Before you start, it is important to ensure that your power tools receive a tune-up after months of hibernation.

Proper and regular maintenance will extend the life of your equipment, while ensuring they are consistently running at peak performance. Dealers from Husqvarna Canada offer the following tips and maintenance recommendations to ensure you have a hassle-free start this spring.

Freshen up: Wipe down metal areas of your tools with an oiled cloth and add a couple drops of machine oil into moving parts to reduce surface damage and friction.

Check the air filter: A dirty air filter puts extra stress on your lawn mower and decreases its operating efficiency. Replacing filters at the beginning of the season is an inexpensive way to maintain your machine's performance.

How are those spark plugs?: Starting your machine will be that much easier if your spark plug is in good condition. A new spark plug will help ignite the fuel air mixture within your mower's engine so that you can tackle that lawn.

Sharpen those blades: Before you start cutting, always sharpen your mower blades. Dull blades will damage your grass and make it more vulnerable to pests and disease. Getting your blades sharpened or replaced at the start of the season will ensure a clean cut and a healthy lawn.

Invest in pre-mixed fuel: A high octane, ethanol-free product will prevent the buildup of harmful deposits that can damage the engine over the colder months and stay in your equipment for over a season. It also burns cleaner and is odour-free.

Find more information at your local dealer or online at husqvarna.ca.

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