How To Keep Lawn Mower Tires From Going Flat Or Leaking

Keeping and maintaining your lawn equipment can be an uphill battle at times. Are you struggling with the tires on your lawn mower going flat or leaking air and don't know what to do? Why does this keep happening to you throughout the year? Lucky enough, we've done some digging and have the answers.

For those with leaking or flat lawn mower tires, there are some things that you can do to prevent this from happening. Our top recommendations include:

  • Checking the tire pressure regularly.
  • Take care of the max pressure on your tires.
  • Parking your mower out of the sun.
  • Use your lawn mower routinely.
  • Insert tubes into your tires.
  • Purchase high-quality tires.

In general, it's best to keep an eye on your mower's tires as the weather changes, as this can also cause the air inside of them to escape.

As we begin, we will cover all things lawn mowers and discuss how to keep their tires full of air. Whether you're new to owning lawn equipment or deal with flat tires every year, we're here to help. With that said, let's dive right into this post below!

Tractor lawn mower close-up on the background of a heap of mown grass in the park, How To Keep Lawn Mower Tires From Going Flat Or Leaking

Why Do My Lawn Mower Tires Keep Going Flat?

If you notice the tires on your lawn mower go flat regularly, this could be due to a few things. Typically, the leading causes for a flat or leaking lawn mower tire include:

  1. Rough lawn terrain
  2. Regular wear and tear
  3. Exposure to heat
  4. Sharp objects
  5. Leaky valve(s)

Like any vehicle or machine, a lawn mower will be going over uneven surfaces, working in less than ideal conditions, and have to go against the weather if it's bad outside.

On top of that, the tires on your lawn mower may not be filled enough to start. The weather and air pressure outside will also affect the air inside your tires, so there are many things to look out for.

Older tires might also leak air more frequently than new ones, so if this is persistent, you may want to swap out your equipment's wheels.

Additionally, if it's extremely hot or cold out, park your lawn mower in a garage or covered space. As we mentioned, heat will cause air to leave your tires, and cold climates can do the same.

Your tires might just come in contact with a sharp object in the grass, which can pop them. Although we all wish we could prevent these things from happening, sometimes, it's inevitable for a lawn mower to need a fresh set of tires.

We recommend checking your lawn before mowing to ensure there aren't any sharp objects, like glass or nails, waiting to puncture your tires.

the wheels and base of a working lawn mower

Can I Prevent My Lawn Mower Tires From Leaking Air?

Yes! It is possible to keep your lawn mower's tires from leaking if you take the right precautionary steps. Generally, using a tire sealer will do the trick and keep air from escaping your tires.

Some products work inside the tires, while others are exterior applications, depending on your purchase. Regardless, you need to find a tire sealant that works for mower/lawn equipment tires and can handle a bit of natural pushback.

According to Stan's Tire Sealant, one of the easiest ways to keep your tires good all season is to seal them routinely. For example, this brand offers a tire sealer that you can squeeze into the inside of your tires, so that may be worth it.

Once this product is inside the tire, it coats the entire interior surface. However, some of this sealant remains liquid, protecting you from future leaks for up to two years.

Again, this is different for every brand, so read the instructions before squeezing.

Furthermore, Stan's also offers a step-by-step tire sealing tutorial for using their product here, so check that out if you need extra assistance.

Ground level closeup of a ride on mower

Stan's Outdoor Tire Sealant

This tire sealant works for outdoor lawn equipment, fills punctures up to 1/2", protects your tires for two years, has a low-viscosity formula that resists freezing, and comes in a 16-ounce bottle.

Check it out on Amazon.

How Do You Fix A Slow Leaking Tire?

For anyone wanting to stop a slow leaking tire on their lawn mower, this shouldn't be too difficult.

To start:

  1. Using a jack, lift your lawn mower off the ground.
  2. Inflate the tire(s) on your mower.
  3. Clean off your tires and inspect them for any damage.
  4. Grab some dish soap and mix it with water.
  5. Apply this soapy water with a brush to your tires.
  6. If you see any fizzing or notice hissing, a hole is present.
  7. Check the valve stem(s) on every tire.
  8. Remove the inside of the valve using a specialty tool.
  9. Release some of the air from your mower's tire(s).
  10. Unscrew the valve stem, which will allow you to insert a sealant.
  11. Consider replacing the "core" on all your tires (inside the valve stem).
  12. Apply your tire sealant, put back all of the pieces into your valve, and you're done!

Furthermore, replacing the tires on your mower every few years is vital, as sealing them won't preserve their quality forever.

If you want to see a visual of these steps, check out this YouTube video below:

Here is a visual from Silver Cymbal's official channel. This video describes what to look for if you suspect a slow leaking tire on your mower and gives helpful insight into replacing and repairing any damaged pieces.

Do Lawn Mower Tires Wear Out?

A red lawn mower parked in the backyard

Yes, like any tire, the ones on your lawn mower will eventually wear down. According to experts, this can happen every 3-5 years, depending on how often you use your mower.

The condition you keep your mower in will also affect the tires. For example, if you leave your lawn mower outside year-round, don't expect the tires to last more than a few years.

On top of storage, you also want to ensure your lawn doesn't have sharp objects scattered around before you mow. If you fail to inspect your property before cutting it, you could puncture your tires more often than not.

It's also crucial to buy high-quality, sturdy tires for your mower that can handle the natural elements. Even if they cost a little more, you don't want to opt for cheap tires, as they won't last more than a year or two on average.

Usually, the tires that come with your mower will be good for a while if you maintain them, but after that, it's up to you to find good quality options for your equipment.

In addition, some tires offer warranty coverage if something happens due to poor quality, so keep an eye out for coverage of some level.

How Much Do New Lawn Mower Tires Cost?

You can generally expect to spend anywhere from $25-$50 for a new lawn mower tire. Depending on the brand, size, and quality, four new tires for your equipment could set you back at almost $200.

Of course, you shouldn't need to do this more than every five or so years, but it is a maintenance cost to remember to budget for.

For example, if you want to purchase lawn mower tires from Carlisle, you might be spending upwards of $75 per tire. On the other hand, if you buy tires from a brand like TracGard, you can expect to pay much less (nearly $30 per tire).

TracGard N766 Turf Bias Tire

This tire replacement is 15 inches wide, has a six-inch rim, works for standard-sized riding mowers, can drive on pavement and turf, is heavy-duty, and doesn't come with a wheel.

View this tire on Amazon here.

Again, you may not find tires for cheap that will last you upwards of five years, but if you're in a pinch and don't mind replacing one every few years, you can certainly try a more cost-effective option.

As we mentioned, you can typically purchase tires from the manufacturer of your mower, which cuts out the "middle man" market.

How Often Should You Replace Lawn Mower Tires?

Lawnmower, canon 1Ds mark II

In general, you don't need to replace the tires on a lawn mower until you notice some damage. As we covered above, the average lifespan of a lawn mower tire is roughly five years.

So, if your tires are around that age or older and have decreased performance, it's likely time for a replacement. However, if you take good care of your tires and they don't have any significant problems at or after year five, you can use them as long as they'll let you.

For example, someone who only cuts their grass once a month and lives somewhere with moderate weather may see their tires last longer than somebody else with a more demanding schedule.

This all depends on the situation, so everyone will have a different tire timeline.

To Wrap Up

Tractor lawn mower close-up on the background of a heap of mown grass in the park

Whether you have a lawn mower with leaking tires or want to get ahead of a problem, it's imperative to know what to do if your tires start losing air. From what we found, there are plenty of ways to keep the air from escaping your mower's tires, including using a sealant.

Additionally, it's also a good idea to regularly inspect your tires for nails, punctures, or any signs of wear and tear. Although most tires should last about five years, that isn't always the case.

Regardless, check your property for sharp items before turning on the mower, and don't be afraid to spend a little extra money on your replacement tires when the time comes.

Made it to the end? Check out these helpful related lawn care posts below!

Lawn Mower Oil Smells Like Gas - What To Do?

Lawn Mower Smoking And Leaking Oil - What To Do?

How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Lawn Mower [Is Buying One Cheaper?]

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