How To Use a Snowblower Safely and Effectively

Snow blowers can blow snow around 20 feet in the air or more, and many feature a snow chute that blows snow straight ahead or to one side. Take a look at your driveway and choose where you want that snow to fall. Avoid blowing snow against exterior walls, fences, vehicles, tree limbs, and similar trouble spots. When possible, blow snow as far away as possible to avoid piling high snowbanks.

If you are using a corded snow blower, make sure the path always keeps the cord from getting caught in the blower’s path. Go lengthwise whenever possible to save yourself time. After the first few sessions, you can make adjustments to optimize your path.

If your snow blower is new or recently taken out of storage, you will need to add fuel, either gas or diesel. Some snow blowers are electric, in which case you can skip this step. If your snow blower has an oil tank, it’s a good idea to add new oil. 

This is also a great time to quickly test the tires to see if any are flat or loose, and double-check the height of the snow blower to make sure the augur is at the proper level above the ground.

Blizzards can bring many unwelcome guests in snow drifts. Like tossing away pinecones before mowing the lawn, fish out any noticeable branches or trash from the snow before you begin. You don’t want anything tangled in the snow blower’s auger or lobbed like a missile at your home.

Prime the snow blower motor if necessary (if it has an external oil bulb) and test operation by starting the motor on a clean, smooth surface. It’s important to check everything is running properly, and the motor is turning smoothly. Give the snow blower a minute to warm up, then guide it into the snow.

Point your discharge chute in the direction you want the snow to go once it’s off your pathway and into the machine. This action determines where the snow will pile up once removed, so make sure it’s not in an area that gets heavy traffic or would block other sidewalks or pathways. 

Engage the drive control and move slowly, pushing the snow blower in front of you to begin snow removal. Make sure to go at a steady, slow pace in order to prevent too much snow from getting inside the machine at once and causing clogs. 

Many snow blowers come with throttles or gear settings that you can adjust up or down. Faster speed is more suitable for low snow levels that the blower can move through quickly. If the snow is higher than one foot, it’s a good idea to slow down and give the blower time to do its work. Adjust as needed while you work.

Once your first pass is complete, disengage the drive control and take a break from pushing the machine so that you can readjust the discharge chute. The last thing you want is to clear one way, and then have snow thrown out on the path you just cleared. 

Snow blowers have come a long way, but thick or icy snow can still clog blower chutes, especially small models. If that happens, pull the snow blower back and shut it down. Wait a few seconds, then use a long, thin tool to dig in and unclog it. The same rules apply as with garbage disposals—don’t stick your own hand or fingers inside. 

Continue your route, adjusting the discharge chute after each pass and keeping a slow pace. For wet, heavy snow, make sure to run the blower at full speed but move at an even slower pace to prevent clogs. 

When finished, shut the blower down and use a small brush to quickly clear the chute and auger of any remaining snow. This is an essential snow blower maintenance step. Store the blower in a dry, enclosed space until you are ready to use it again or winterize it. Complete a final pass of the driveway and sweep or shovel any paths that were too small for the blower to reach.