Operating a snowblower in winter can be demanding. Proper maintenance is crucial for keeping your machine running efficiently through freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and thick ice.
Neglecting even minor upkeep issues like worn skid shoes or loose bolts can leave your snowblower sputtering mid-storm. Then you’re stuck shoveling by hand or paying for expensive repairs.
Luckily, most snowblower maintenance comes down to simple, routine DIY care anyone can handle themselves. As long as you follow manufacturer guidelines and give your machine some TLC before, during, and after winter, it will throw snow with power and reliability all season long.
This article covers actionable snowblower maintenance tips you can easily tackle in your own garage or driveway. We’ll walk through pre-winter preparation, mid-season care, and end-of-season upkeep.
Equipped with these DIY pointers, you’ll keep your snowblower in peak operating condition. That means smooth clearing when the snow starts blowing.
Pre-Winter Snowblower Maintenance
Before old man winter arrives, thoroughly inspecting and tuning up your snowthrower paves the way for an unstoppable clearing machine.
Follow these pre-season maintenance tips and you’ll avoid hastily patching issues as flakes start to stick.
1. Inspect and Replace the Spark Plug
Over time, your snowblower’s spark plug wears down through normal use. Check its condition and swap in a new plug if you notice:
- Corrosion
- Cracked porcelain
- Worn/rounded electrodes
Replacing this small part prevents cold weather starting trouble down the line.
2. Change Oil in the Engine
Old oil thickens over time. Cold temps exaggerate this effect.
Following your snowblower manual’s oil change schedule ensures fluid will flow properly despite plunging temperatures.
Tip: Many manufacturers recommend 5W-30 synthetic motor oil designed specifically for winter use.
3. Check Belts for Cracking and Wear
Spin the auger and drive belts by hand, watching closely for:
- Glazing
- Cracking
- Severe wear
Frayed or damaged belts will fail when you need them most. Replace any belts in questionable condition.
4. Confirm Proper Belt Tension
Loose belts slip, reducing throwing power. Over-tightened belts strain the engine.
Consult your model’s manual for the proper deflection amount. Adjust tension accordingly by repositioning the pulley.
5. Examine Skid Shoes and Scraper Blade
Skids guide the scraper blade evenly across pavement. If too worn, uneven clearing can result.
Inspect the skids and blade for wear. Replace components showing:
- Thinning from use
- Jagged or blunt edges
6. Lubricate Moving Parts
Greasing key components prevents seizing in freezing temperatures. Apply multipurpose grease or machine oil to:
- Augers
- Impeller shaft
- Axles and gears
Bonus tip: Lubricate interlocking parts of any adjustable chute.
Mid-Winter Snowblower Care
Once snow season is underway, staying on top of maintenance ensures Uncle Winter doesn’t immobilize your machine.
Keep your blower throwing all winter with these mid-season servicing tips:
7. Regularly Clear Snow Build-Up
During lengthy storm clearing or when slicing into plow piles, packed snow can overload the auger and impeller.
Frequently clear build-ups to prevent:
- Belts slipping
- Chute clogs
- Wear on internal components
8. Tighten Loose Bolts and Screws
Vibration from concrete surfaces slowly loosens snowblower hardware over time.
Make it habit to regularly check and snug bolts, screws, and any loose fasteners you find. This prevents damage from components shaking loose.
9. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
Consistent traction helps control your snowblower across slick surfaces.
Check the tires regularly to confirm they’re inflated to the PSI stated in your operator’s manual.
10. Care for the Auger and Impeller
Ice packs up easily on these components, leading to poor throwing distance and uneven clearing.
Monitor the auger and impeller for obstructions. Carefully clean them out as needed while running.
11. Clean Machine After Each Use
Road salt, mineral deposits, and other grime accelerate snowblower corrosion.
Routinely remove build-up by:
- Wiping down the exterior
- Spraying the underside and interior with water
- Letting components fully dry
End-of-Season Snowblower Maintenance
Put your snowthrower into hibernation properly so it roars back to life next winter.
Wrap things up with these year-end maintenance tasks:
12. Add Fuel Stabilizer Before Storage
Today’s ethanol gasoline oxidizes and separates during long-term storage. Prevent issues by:
- Draining the gas tank
- Adding stabilized fuel formula
- Running the engine for 5 minutes to cycle
This keeps fuel fresh over months of sitting.
13. Store Snowblower Properly
Moisture breeds corrosion. Guard your investment by:
- Cleaning the exterior
- Storing indoors or using a ventilated cover
- Placing on blocks to reduce tire flat spots
14. Inspect and Clean Out Chute
Compacted snow or ice left sitting accelerates rust and corrosion.
Carefully clean out all snow debris. Adjust the chute lubricate interlocking parts.
15. Replace Shear Pins
Shear pins designed to break instead of gearbox parts when the auger jams.
Replace any broken pins so your snowblower is prepped to handle jams next season without damage.
16. Test Electric Starter (If Equipped)
Electric starters draw huge amp loads. Weak batteries, bad connections, and corroded cables cause issues over time.
Test the electric starter monthly when storing long term. Charge or replace the battery ahead of next winter.
Also Read: Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Snowblower
Conclusion
Regular snowblower maintenance keeps your machine ready to battle Old Man Winter’s worst. Following this seasonal care schedule prevents the bulk of cold weather issues do-it-yourselfers face.
Whether tuning up your blower pre-season, staying on top of care amid storms, or properly storing things post-winter, addressing small problems now prevents huge headaches later.
Equipped with these maintenance tips, you can break out the snowblowers fearlessly next winter. Your machine will start smoothly time after time to carve paths through heavy snow.
The satisfaction of a job well done comes standard—no repair bills needed.