Winter is here—or fast approaching, depending on where you live—but how confident are you in your snow blower? The last thing anyone wants is for their machine to quit during a snowstorm. Preparing your snow blower before heavy snowfall arrives is crucial for its reliability. Proper maintenance before the season will play a big role in the consistency of your blower not only for this winter, but for years to come. At Small Engine Warehouse, we understand how important it is to keep your snow blower in good condition and to have it ready to last all winter long.

How to Prepare Your Snow Blower

Preparing your snow blower involves more than you might think. Completing these tasks and checks before the season's first use can make a significant difference in its performance and longevity. Here’s what you should do before winter:

1. Disconnect Spark Plug: Make sure the engine is off and disconnect the spark plug.
2. Check Fuel: If there is old fuel from last season, drain it out and replace it with fresh gasoline. During this process, also check the fuel filter and replace it if needed. If you live in a region with sporadic snow, causing the blower to sit idle for weeks, consider adding a fuel stabilizer to maintain its quality.
3. Check Oil: Most likely, your snow blower uses a 4-cycle engine that requires oil separate from the fuel. Consult your owner’s manual if you are unsure. Use the dipstick to check the oil level and quality. If it’s dark and dirty, it’s time for a change. Run your blower for about five minutes so the oil is warm and easier to drain. Drain the old oil completely and fill it with the type recommended by the manufacturer. Make sure to change your oil at least once a season.
4. Inspect Tires: Snow blowers are typically equipped with either inflatable tires, plastic tires, or tracks. Regardless of the type, inspect them for cracks, tears, or other damage. For inflatable tires, check the air pressure and inflate to recommended PSI if needed. Replace any tires showing significant damage.
5. Inspect Shear Pins, Auger, Skid Shoes: Locate your snow blower’s shear pins, auger, and skid shoes. Check the shear pins to ensure they’re intact and in good condition. Keep a few extras on hand in case one breaks during the winter, so you can replace it immediately. Inspect the auger for any damage, and make sure the skid shoes are adjusted properly and not too worn down. Also lubricate the auger and other parts that need it according to your owner’s manual.
6. Examine Belt: Check the belt for signs of fraying or wear and replace it if there's noticeable damage. Keeping a few spare belts on hand can help prevent mid-season breakdowns, but performing this check now will reduce the chances of that happening.
7. Inspect and Reconnect/Replace Spark Plug: If the spark plug looks worn or corroded, replace it. Even if it looks fine, cleaning it quickly is a good idea to make sure it fires up on those cold mornings. You can do this with a soft wire brush. If replacement is necessary, refer to your owner's manual to ensure you get the correct spark plug. Set the proper gap and screw it back in.
8. Start it up: Start up your blower and let it run for a few minutes. Listen for any unusual sounds and keep an eye out for leaks or damage. If it’s running smoothly, you’re ready for winter!

How Small Engine Warehouse Can Help

We offer a wide range of parts and products to help you keep your snow blower in top condition. Whether you need replacement parts or upgrades, we have what you need. Call us today, and one of our knowledgeable team members will guide you to the right product for your machine.