STIHL Maintenance Tips: Keep Your Tools Running Strong All Year Long
You bought STIHL tools because you wanted something tough. Reliable. Built to last.
But here’s the truth: even the best tools break down fast if you don’t take care of them.
That’s where maintenance comes in. A little TLC every time you use your tools goes a long way towards keeping them running well over the years.
At Steveco Power, we’ve seen it all: burned-out chainsaws, clogged-up blowers, trimmers that won’t start after sitting all winter. All that is frustrating! But the good news is that most of it’s preventable—with the right maintenance routine.
Let’s walk through it together.
Why Regular STIHL Maintenance Matters
STIHL is a manufacturing company known for its high-quality gas and battery powered handheld outdoor equipment. They manufacture a range of tools such as chainsaws, trimmers, blowers, and more. It’s a popular brand because it makes quality equipment, but–you know it–good tools don’t normally come cheap.
If you’ve invested in quality STIHL tools, you probably want them to last. That’s where maintenance comes in.
Skipping maintenance doesn’t just shorten your tool’s life. It causes:
- Hard starts
- Rough idling
- Power loss
- Expensive repairs
- Total breakdowns
And in the middle of a job, you don’t have time for that.
Hot, humid summers and freezing winters can be brutal on your equipment. Moisture causes rust, ethanol in fuel gums up engines, and dirt and debris pile up fast in the fall with all the leaves.
A simple checklist and some consistency can help you keep your tools in good shape.
Daily, Weekly & Seasonal Maintenance Checklist
Don’t worry—this isn’t a full-time job. Most tasks take just minutes. Specific tools, such as chainsaws, may have more specific things to take care of, but here are a few general items you should think about:
Before Every Use
- Check fuel: it should be fresh and properly mixed (2-stroke)
- Check air filter: it should not clogged
- Inspect chain/blade/line: it should be sharp, tensioned, and intact
- Test throttle/safety switches
- Check chain oil (chainsaw only)
Every 10 Hours
- Clean or replace air filter
- Inspect spark plug: clean gap or replace
- Clear grass buildup (mower deck, trimmer head)
- Clean bar/chain groove (chainsaw)
- Grease gearbox (trimmers/brushcutters)
Every 25-50 Hours
- Replace the air filter if it's dirty
- Replace the spark plug if it’s fouled or worn
- Sharpen the chain/blade
- Check fuel lines for cracks/leaks
- Inspect belts/cables (mowers)
Seasonally or 1x Per Year
- Change oil (4-stroke mower)
- Replace fuel filter (inside tank)
- Empty fuel or add stabilizer for storage
- Clean tool completely before storage
- Store in dry, sheltered location
We recommend keeping a small logbook or checklist. This helps you keep track of your maintenance lists and stay ahead of breakdowns.
How to Mix Fuel & Oil for STIHL 2-Stroke Engines
Most STIHL tools use a 2-stroke engine. That means no oil pan. Instead, you mix the oil and fuel together.
Sounds simple, right? But a wrong mix can ruin your engine.
The Right Ratio: 50:1
That’s 2.6 ounces of 2-stroke oil per 1 gallon of gas.
Only use high-quality, ethanol-free fuel if possible. Ethanol breaks down fast and attracts moisture—a big issue if you’re in a wetter or more humid climate.
Ethanol-blended fuels can cause corrosion inside your carburetor and fuel lines. Over time, this leads to clogs and poor performance.
Pro Tip:
Use STIHL’s premixed MotoMix® if you don’t want to mess with mixing your own fuel. STIHL’s fuel tends to last longer and burn cleaner.
Whatever you do, don’t guess the mix. Too little oil = engine damage. Too much = fouled plugs and smoke.
Also, mix only what you’ll use in about 30 days. Fuel degrades quickly, particularly when it contains ethanol. However, STIHL’s Motomix is ethanol-free and can maintain its stability for up to two years.
Curious about different types of power? Check out this article on electric vs gas mowers: which is best for you?
Cleaning Tips: Air Filters, Spark Plugs, and Cooling Fins
You wouldn’t run a marathon with a clogged nose, and your STIHL tools feel the same way when the air filter’s dirty.
Air Filters
- Remove and tap it gently to knock out dust.
- Don’t blow it out with compressed air—that can damage the fibers.
- If it’s heavily soiled or torn, replace it. Air filters are not expensive.
- Pollen, dust, and leaf debris can clog filters fast, especially during spring and fall. Regular cleaning helps maintain steady airflow, ensuring your engine runs smoothly.
Spark Plugs
- Remove and inspect the tip.
- If it’s black and crusty, clean it with a wire brush or replace it.
- Set the correct gap using a feeler gauge (refer to your STIHL manual for instructions).
- Spark plugs play a big role in your engine’s ignition. Worn plugs can cause hard starts or rough running.
Cooling Fins
- These keep your engine from overheating.
- Use a stiff brush or compressed air to clean between fins.
- Do this especially in fall, when leaves and debris pile up fast.
- Overheating on a hot summer day is a real risk. Clean fins help prevent engine damage.
Need help? Steveco Power’s service techs can do this for you during a tune-up.
How to Store Your STIHL Tools Off-Season
Seasons can hit hard. Snow, ice, damp garages—it’s tough on outdoor equipment. That means storing your equipment well really matters.
Before you store:
- Drain the fuel or run it dry. Gas left in the tank can go bad and gum up the carburetor.
- Clean everything—filters, housing, cooling fins.
- Oil metal parts to prevent rust. Wipe down the blade or bar with light oil.
For storing:
- Store indoors if possible. Cold garages are fine, but avoid damp basements or sheds that leak.
- Keep it off the ground—hang tools or store in cases to avoid moisture damage.
- If you can’t store indoors, use a waterproof cover and elevate the equipment.
- Label what’s been serviced, so you’re not guessing next season.
Don’t forget to run through a Spring maintenance checklist when you wake your tools up for Summer!
When to Replace Blades, Bars, or Trimmer Lines
Sometimes, cleaning isn’t enough. Parts wear out, and trying to stretch them too far leads to trouble.
Chainsaw Bars & Chains
Replace the chain if:
- It won’t stay sharp
- The teeth are worn or uneven
- It smokes even when oiled
Replace the bar if:
- It’s bent
- The groove is worn
- The chain keeps slipping
Wood can be tough on chains—dense hardwoods like oak dull blades faster.
Trimmer Lines
- Use fresh line every few weeks during heavy use.
- Store extra line in a sealed bag with a little water. This prevents brittleness.
Blades (Hedge Trimmers, Brush Cutters)
- Sharpen if you see nicks or dull edges.
- Replace if the blades are chipped, bent, or have lost cutting power.
If you’re unsure what you ought to do, bring your tool to Steveco Power. We’ll check it out and let you know if it’s time to repair or replace.
Extra care in spring and fall can save you headaches. For example, after heavy use during leaf cleanup, do a full clean and tune-up. Before winter, drain fuel and lubricate metal parts to prevent rust.
If you are curious about common lawn mower problems, check out this article: Your Guide to Common Lawn Mower Problems and How to Fix Them.
Final Thought: Your Tools Take Care of You, so Take Care of Them
A well-maintained STIHL tool makes your job easier. Safer. Faster.
Neglect it? You’ll pay the price—in time, frustration, and repair bills.
Whether you’re cutting firewood, clearing brush, or just keeping your yard clean throughout the seasons, your equipment is your workhorse.
Show it some love—a few minutes of maintenance can add years to its life.
And if you're ever in doubt? Bring it to Steveco Power. Our team knows STIHL inside and out. We’ll help you keep your tools running like new, season after season.
We offer services including:
If you want advice or help with maintaining your STIHL equipment, contact SteveCo Power today! We would be happy to help you out!