Essential maintenance tips for all types of snow blowers
Steven E / Thursday February 20, 2025
Winter rolls in with its magical blanket of snow-covered landscapes, but it also throws the challenge of keeping driveways and walkways clear. Your snow blower is your trusty sidekick during these frosty months, and keeping it in great shape is key for a hassle-free season. So, let’s check out some straightforward maintenance tips that’ll keep your snow blower humming all winter long.
Heads up: The information in this article might not match your exact appliance model. While we try our best to provide helpful advice for all kinds of DIY appliance repairs, different models can have varying troubleshooting steps, error codes, parts, etc. For best guidance, make sure to consult the manufacturer’s documentation for your specific model or give us a shout if you have questions.
Clean up after each use
After braving the cold to clear that snow, it’s tempting to park the blower and dash inside. But taking a minute to clean your machine can make a big difference in how it performs:
- Brush off snow and debris: Use a brush or a cloth to wipe down the snow blower. Pay extra attention to the discharge chute and auger housing to prevent clogs.
- Stop ice build-up: Leaving snow on the machine can lead to ice forming, which might damage moving parts. A quick wipe-down keeps everything in working order.
Check the oil before each use
- Keep oil levels right: Before you start the machine, check the oil dipstick to make sure the oil level is where it should be.
- Use the correct oil type: Check your manufacturer’s guide for the right oil grade that’s suitable for your machine.
- First oil change: After the first 5 hours of running (the break-in period), change the engine oil to clear out any initial grime.
- Regular oil changes: After that, switch out the oil every season or every 25 hours to keep things running smoothly and reduce engine wear.
- Dispose of old oil properly: Remember to follow local rules for getting rid of used engine oil responsibly.
Spark plug maintenance
- Check after each season: Remove the spark plug and look for signs of wear or deposits.
- Clean or swap if needed: A dirty spark plug can be cleaned with a wire brush. If it’s damaged or seriously worn, it’s time for a new one.
Read more: Snowblower won’t start: A troubleshooting guide
Inspect belts and auger system
- Check for wear and tear: Keep an eye out for cracks, fraying, or slack in the belts.
- Replace worn belts: If you spot any damage, it’s time to install new belts to keep things running smoothly.
- Examine the auger and impeller for damage: Check the blades for any bends, breaks, or dull edges.
- Make sure they rotate freely: Manually spin the auger to make sure it moves without any hiccups.
Read more: How to replace a snow blower auger belt
Check auger paddles, skid shoes, and shave plate
- Auger paddles: If they’re not making contact with the ground anymore, it’s time for a replacement. Worn paddles make it tougher for the machine to move snow.
- Skid shoes: These protect your blower’s housing. Adjust or swap them out if they’re worn down to keep your machine and surfaces in good shape.
- Shave plate: Make sure it’s not worn thin. A damaged shave plate can affect how well you clear snow.
Final tips to keep your snow blower running smoothly
- Use fresh fuel: Old gasoline can cause engine problems. Think about adding a fuel stabilizer if you’re storing fuel for a while.
- Store it right: Keep your snow blower in a dry spot during the off-season to prevent rust and corrosion.
- Tighten up bolts and fasteners: Vibration during use can loosen things up, so check and tighten them now and then.
- Find your model number: If you need replacement parts, knowing your appliance’s model number is key. Learn how to find it here.
Read more: Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Snowblower
Additional information
If you have any questions or need help finding the right parts, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at AppliancePartsPros.com. We’re here to help with expert advice and quality parts to keep your appliances running smoothly.
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With nearly a decade of experience in providing top-notch customer service regarding appliance parts and repair, Steven enjoys sharing practical advice, troubleshooting tips, and interesting information to help readers stay informed.