Here’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.

Single-Stage vs. Two-Stage Snow Blower

Your snow blower will last longer if it’s well suited to the tasks at hand. A single-stage snow blower is best for clearing light to moderate snow on smaller paved driveways with minor inclines. The compact size and maneuverability of single-stage models make them ideal for removing dry snow, but wet snow and heavy snowfalls can put a strain on the engine and moving parts. Two-stage snow blowers are better for tackling heavy snowfalls on larger driveways, even with an excessive gradient.

Snow Blower Maintenance Tools & Materials

Make sure to have the right tools and equipment to service your snow blower properly to improve its efficiency and extend its life. Here are some essentials to keep it in good working order: 

• Lubricant 

• Cleaning cloths 

• Fuel additive 

• Spark plugs 

• Spark plug wrench 

• Tire pressure gauge 

• Replacement parts and accessories

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.

How to Clear a Clogged Snow Blower Chute

Use extreme caution if your snow blower chute gets clogged with snow or ice. Be sure to turn off the machine and wait for any moving parts to stop. If you’re using a gas snow blower, disconnect the spark plug and ground it against the engine. If you’re using an electric snow blower, unplug it from the wall. If you’re using a cordless snow thrower, disconnect the battery. Use a clean-out tool to clear the chute (never use your hands or feet!). Wax the inside of the chute to help reduce clogging.

Snow Blower Troubleshooting

Some snow blower repairs require a professional, but there are some troubleshooting steps you can try on your own first: 

• If your gas snow blower won’t start, check the spark plug and clean or replace it 

• If your electric snow blower won’t start, check the battery indicator light and let it cool down if the battery overheats 

• If your gas snow blower won’t run smoothly, slowly loosen the fuel cap to release any built-up fumes, then restart 

• If your auger or paddles won’t turn, check the snow blower auger belt for wear and replace it 

• If your snow blower won’t clear snow, check the scraper bar or shave plate for wear and replace it 

• If your snow blower won’t discharge snow, turn off or unplug the machine and check for clogged snow with a clean-out tool

Snow Blowing Tips

Proper snow blowing techniques will help ensure safety and keep your machine running smoothly. Here’s a few tips:

• Before pulling the snow blower pull cord, consider where you want to throw the snow and adjust the discharge chute accordingly 

• Avoid blowing snow at your home, vehicles or people 

• Prep your property before it snows by removing rocks, hoses, extension cords and other items that could obstruct snow clearing or damage your machine 

• Throw snow in the same direction as the wind is blowing 

• Use the Zamboni method to clear your snow: start in the middle and work your way out in a circular motion to avoid blowing snow on areas you already cleared 

• Use slow and steady movements to help prevent clogging 

• Make multiple passes rather than trying to clear a heavy snowfall with just one attempt

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.