Whether you’re firing up your mower in the spring or running a generator during a storm, the gas you use matters. At Exit 18 Equipment, we service lawn mowers, trimmers, blowers, snow blowers, and generators — and fuel issues are one of the most common problems we see in the shop.
​
Let’s break down how to choose the right fuel, when to use a fuel stabilizer, and how to avoid costly repairs.

Ethanol is a common gasoline additive that absorbs moisture and can lead to corrosion in small engines.
​
What to avoid:

• E15, E85, and other "flex fuel" blends
• Gas with more than 10% ethanol (E10)

What to choose:

• Regular 87 octane (E10 max)
• Ethanol-free fuel when available — especially for seasonal equipment.

Shop online and grab our recommended fuel here.

If you’re storing fuel longer than 30 days — or putting your mower or snow blower away for the season — using a fuel stabilizer is key.

• Toro Premium Fuel Treatment – Part #131-657
• STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer – 8 oz
• STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer – 16 oz

These are compatible with 2-cycle and 4-cycle engines and safe for all brands we carry — Honda, Toro, Echo, Simplicity, Ferris, and more.

At Exit 18 Equipment’s service shop in Georgia, VT, we see these fuel-related issues all the time:

• Hard starting after storage
• Gummed-up carburetors
• Moisture damage from ethanol blends
• Clogged filters and fuel lines
• Power loss or surging during use

​
These issues are preventable — and avoiding them saves you money and downtime.

Keep this checklist handy or print it for your garage:
✔ Use Fresh Fuel

• Buy in small quantities
• Store in a sealed, labeled container
• Use within 30 days

✔ Avoid High Ethanol Blends

• Stick with 87 octane, max E10
• Use ethanol-free gas if possible

✔ Use a Fuel Stabilizer

• Treat fuel when you buy it
• Run equipment briefly to circulate
• Prevents gumming and moisture issues

✔ Prep Equipment for Storage

• Run treated fuel through engine
• Clean debris from engine housing
• Store indoors or under cover

If you’re unsure what kind of fuel or stabilizer is best for your mower, generator, or trimmer, just ask us. At Exit 18 Equipment, we work on what we sell — and we’ll point you to the right solution without the upsell.
​
We proudly serve customers across Franklin and Chittenden County with expert advice, factory-trained technicians, and genuine parts and service.

Your Honda lawn mower is a quality piece of engineering, designed for years of reliable service. A critical part of that design is its fuel system. However, modern gasoline can degrade surprisingly quickly, leading to stale fuel that causes starting issues, poor running performance, and sometimes even damage if you're not careful.
The good news? Here at Exit 18 Equipment, we know that most fuel-related problems are entirely preventable with a few straightforward steps. This advice applies to all Honda-powered lawn mowers.
Follow These Key Steps to Prevent Most Fuel-Related Problems:

​1. Mind the Ethanol: Stick to 10% or Less (E10)

• Gasoline with more than 10% ethanol (like E15 or E85) is a no-go for your Honda mower. Higher ethanol blends are more corrosive and attract water. This combination can lead to starting problems, erratic running, or even damage to the fuel system components.
• Our Tip: Always check the pump label before you fill your can.

​2. Proper Fuel Storage is Crucial

• Container Choice: Use a clean, sealed plastic container specifically approved for fuel storage. Metal cans can rust, introducing contaminants.
• Keep it Fresh: Close the container's vent (if it has one) when not in use and store it out of direct sunlight. If you typically take more than 3 months to use up the fuel in your container, we strongly recommend adding a quality fuel stabilizer (like Honda's own) right when you fill it up.
• Why it Matters: Clean, approved plastic containers prevent rust and debris from getting into your fuel. Air and sunlight accelerate fuel deterioration.

3. Service Your Air Filter Regularly

• A clean air filter is your engine's first line of defense against dirt and debris. Check it before every use.
• In dusty Vermont conditions, you'll need to replace it more often. Dirt sucked into the carburetor can clog tiny passages, leading to hard starting or poor running, and can cause premature engine wear.
• Exit 18 Pro Tip: Always use a Honda Genuine air filter. It's designed to seal perfectly and perform as intended, protecting your engine. We keep them in stock!

​

4. Post-Mowing Routine & Short-Term Breaks (Up to 3-4 Weeks)

• Fuel Valve OFF: When you’re done mowing, turn the fuel valve to the "OFF" position. Leave it off until your next mow.
• Run it Dry (Carburetor): After turning the fuel valve off, restart the engine and let it run until it stops on its own (usually less than 3 minutes). This empties the carburetor.
• Fill the Tank: Top off the fuel tank with fresh, stabilized fuel.
• Why this helps: Fuel in the small carburetor bowl degrades much faster than fuel in the tank due to its small volume and proximity to engine heat. Shutting off the valve and running the carb dry prevents this stale fuel issue. A full tank minimizes air, which also slows fuel deterioration.

​

5. Preparing for Longer Storage (More Than 30 Days)
Untreated gasoline left in your mower's fuel system for extended periods will deteriorate, almost guaranteeing starting or running problems and potentially damaging fuel system parts.

• For Storage: 30 to 90 Days
  • Add Stabilizer: Add a quality fuel stabilizer (following the product's instructions) to FRESH gasoline in the fuel tank. If the tank is only partially full, the air inside will still promote fuel breakdown, so fill it up.
    • Important Note: Stabilizers have a shelf life and won't "fix" already stale fuel.
  • Circulate: Run the engine outdoors for about 10 minutes. This ensures the treated fuel circulates through the entire fuel system, replacing any untreated fuel. (If you always add stabilizer to your main fuel storage can when you fill it, you can likely skip this specific step.)
  • Engine Off, Fuel Valve OFF: Stop the engine and turn the fuel valve to the "OFF" position.
  • Run Carb Dry: Restart the engine and let it run until it quits (again, usually under 3 minutes).

​

• For Storage: More Than 90 Days (Long-Term / Seasonal)
  The best practice here is to completely empty the fuel system.
  • Run the engine until it has used all the gasoline from both the fuel tank and the carburetor. Don't leave gasoline in your mower for this length of inactivity.

What About Leftover Fuel in Your Storage Can?
If you have a small amount of treated fuel left in your storage can at the end of the season, the EPA suggests you can add it to your car's gas tank, provided your car's tank is mostly full and the fuel type is appropriate for your vehicle. (You can find more info on the EPA's website regarding winterizing small engines.)

Need Supplies or Have Questions?
Always refer to your Honda lawn mower's Owner’s Manual for detailed information specific to your model. If you can't find yours, you can usually download it from Honda's website.
​
Here at Exit 18 Equipment, we stock Honda Genuine Fuel Stabilizer and other essential maintenance items. If you're unsure about any of these steps or run into trouble, don't hesitate to give us a call or stop by the shop. We're here to help keep your Honda running like new!

I was on the phone with Dana at American Honda Motor Co.  

Trying to track down my Honda snowblower order.

She was so young, so bright and always so professional.

"I'm sorry if I sound distracted but a plane just ran into the World Trade Center," she said.

And my World stopped turning.

And Dana became part of my history. 

We've met & shared hugs and we'll always share that moment. 


She's as wonderful of a person I expected her to be, she's a Mom now and fun and happy. Honda Power Equipment is lucky to have her and every September 11th I thank God for her too.  
My 911 Dana.

Yesterday I witnessed my first girls rugby game. I was invited to the game by my friend Tori who I have known since she was in grade school. She is just as lovely now as she has ever been and she plays rugby for the Essex Hornets. It was a good game, they played hard, they tore up the field, they hit hard, they hurt each other and at the end of it they walked off the muddy field smiling. After all that my lasting impression of this experience will forever be... they are all such sweet girls.

The newest member of the Exit 18 Equipment family is Roger Parent. We are extremely fortunate to have Roger and his wide range of skills here at Exit 18. Roger comes to us from Ride-Away Handicap Equipment in Essex. He served as their Service Manager installing and repairing equipment in vehicles for people with disabilities. He was at Ride-Away for 6 years. Prior to that he honed his technical skills in the high volume fast paced shop at 197inc in Essex, servicing outdoor power equipment for 12 years. Roger resides in Milton with his wife and 6 kids were he is an asset to his community as well. He served on the Milton fire department for 10 years and has spent the last couple of years volunteering his expertise as a Firefighter/Engineer for the Colchester Center Volunteer Fire Company. He has extensive skills in small engines, outdoor power equipment, hydraulics, electrical and all things mechanical. This combined with an exceptional work ethic and attention to detail will bring our shop to a new level of excellence to the benefit of our valued customers. Spring is here so stop in and see our equipment and meet our new technician!

Snow piling up?  We've got Honda, Simplicity and Toro snowblowers in stock, all sizes at the lowest prices of the season!! 

Power out?  Honda generators will take care of it.  All EG, EB and EM series are priced to move with an extra year warranty to boot!

Short on funds?  Honda, Simplicity  and Toro offer interest free financing!  Super easy to apply.

Stop roughing it. Ditch the shovel and head to Exit 18 Equipment!   

Life's short, buy time when you can.

Carol Ann Jones and the Supercharges at Twiggs in St. Albans (carolannjonesmusic.com). February has been a great month for local music in our neck of the woods. I am a self proclaimed groupie of this band, they are great people that make great music. More pictures of Carol Ann Jones and the Superchargers.

Jon Sochin in the middle of a four hour set at the Snowfarm Winery in South Hero. Friday I took my Valentine to Snowfarm's Wine in and we were treated to an amazing evening of incredible music and of course wine.

Happy snow storm everybody!! Got lots of TORO, HONDA and SIMPLICITY SNOWBLOWERS in stock and ready to go home with you.  No need to try to shovel this stuff - I suspect it's not going to be as fluffy as last week's dumping.  Stop by or give us a call 802-524-2974 and reserve yours today.


AND Happy Valentines Day!!!

OK this should help, download it, make it your screen saver and get close.