What is the recommended frequency for changing the oil in a gasoline-powered mower?

Changing the oil in a gasoline-powered mower is crucial for maintaining engine health, performance, and longevity. The recommended frequency of every 100 hours of operation, or at least once per season, strikes a balance between ensuring the oil is clean and capable of lubricating engine components effectively without being changed excessively.

Oil degrades over time due to heat, combustion byproducts, and moisture, impacting its effectiveness. By changing the oil every 100 hours or at least once a season, it addresses both heavy and light usage scenarios. This approach ensures that even if a mower is not used heavily, it receives necessary maintenance before storage or during peak usage months, helping prevent engine wear and potential issues.

Other options suggest frequencies that might either lead to excessive maintenance or inadequate servicing. For instance, changing the oil once a month may lead to unnecessary oil waste and increased costs, while changing it every time you use it can be impractical and overzealous. On the other hand, changing it once a year regardless of usage fails to consider that engine oil can degrade and lose effectiveness within that time frame, especially under harsher operating conditions. Therefore, the recommendation to change oil every 100 hours or at least once a season is the most practical and effective guideline for optimal