Shop All
Store Locator
Search
Order Status
Log In
List
CartHere’s How to Keep Your Snow Blower Running Great
A good snow blower makes it easier to clear your walkways, sidewalks and driveways. However, it’s important to keep your snow blower running smoothly to ensure it’s ready when the next snowstorm hits. Proper care and maintenance will also help you avoid costly repairs and replacement parts down the road. Here’s what to do.
Snow Blower Maintenance 101
Before performing any maintenance, make sure you turn off the engine, disengage all control levers, and wait for any moving parts to come to a standstill. For gas snow blowers, disconnect the spark plug ignition wire and ground it against the engine. For electric snow blowers, disconnect the plug from the power source. Once safety is ensured, follow the steps below to keep your machine running at peak performance.
Step 1: Change Your Fluids
Check the oil level before each use and add oil as needed. If you’re changing the oil, let the snow blower warm up to make the oil flow easier. Once warm, turn the engine off again, pull the drain plug, and drain the oil into a container. When all the oil has drained out, pop the plug back in and refill with fresh oil. Check the engine to see if it has enough fuel and add some fuel stabilizer to help ensure proper viscosity.
Step 2: Change Your Spark Plug
Change the spark plug on your snow blower once a year or every 100 hours used, and check the gap regularly. Disconnect and remove the spark plug from the lead, using a spark plug wrench for easy removal. Replace the spark plug if there’s any damage or deposits that could reduce fuel efficiency or impair engine performance.
Step 3: Check & Lubricate Moving Parts
Check all moving parts and fasteners for wear and damage, including the snow blower shear pins and skid shoes. Lubricate all moving parts and adjust or replace if necessary. Inspect your snow blower auger belts, paddles and scraper bars for wear or cracks and replace any worn-out parts.
Step 4: Check Your Tires
Using a tire gauge, check your tires for proper air pressure and inflate them to the correct levels. Examine the tires for wear and tear and replace them if needed.
Adjusting Your Skid Plates
Your snow blower slide shoes, or skid plates, let you adjust the height to control how close to the ground your snow blower will clear snow. For even surfaces, such as asphalt and concrete, your snow blower requires less clearance. For irregular surfaces such as gravel, it needs more clearance. Improper adjustment on this type of surface can damage your auger. Follow the manual for proper adjustment on different surfaces.
Snow Blower Storage
Proper offseason storage will help extend the life of your snow blower and ensure that it’s ready for next winter:
Wipe the snow blower down with a wet cloth and allow to dry to help prevent salt or ice melt from causing rust and corrosion
Top off your tank with fresh, stabilized fuel to prevent condensation, rust and scaling
Run the engine for five minutes to circulate fuel through the fuel system and ensure that the snow blower starter turns on next season
Switch off the snow blower fuel shut-off valve when transporting your snow blower to storage to prevent fuel spills
Store in a clean, dry, well-ventilated garage with a snow blower cover
When a heavy snowfall hits you need access to your vehicles to get to work, go shopping, or meet any emergencies. Proper snow blower maintenance will help keep you and your family safe, stocked up, and fully functional.
