8 Tips to Keep a Snow Blower Running

A snow blower is a worthy investment if you live in a cold winter climate. But if your blower breaks down and needs repair, it can throw off your entire schedule—and budget. Snow blower repairs can be costly, depending on the issue at hand and the age of your machine. Avoid these challenges altogether by following our top tips for snow blower maintenance to keep your machine running smoothly all winter long. 

1. Inspect the Belts

If the belt is malfunctioning, your snow blower won’t be able to move forward. If you’re not experienced with basic mechanics, it can be safest and easiest to hire a snow removal company to help repair your snow blower. 

2. Change the Oil

Similar to how you’d change the oil in your car and lawn mower to keep it running smoothly, your snow blower needs it too. Check your snow blower’s owner’s manual to see how often you need to change the oil in your individual machine. If you know how to change the oil yourself, you can buy the oil at your local hardware store or online. If not, a pro can do this for you when you schedule a tune-up.

3. Check Tires and Chains

Ensure the tires are at the right pressure and the chains are lubricated and aligned at the beginning of the winter season.

4. Examine the Skid Shoes

Skid shoes set the minimum depth the snow blower will scoop up snow. If you adjust the skid shoes, the machine won’t scrape the ground, and you won’t throw rocks if you’re plowing a rough surface, such as a gravel driveway.

5. Check the Auger

The auger is the part that pulls in snow so that the snow blower can shoot it off the driveway or sidewalk you’re plowing. This means the auger is essential for a snow blower to function. A professional snow blower repair expert can check and replace the auger, if needed. They can also review the other necessary parts on this list.

6. Replace the Spark Plug and Air Filter

The spark plug helps get your snow blower’s engine running. Most snow blowers don’t actually have an air filter, but if yours does, this is also something to check.

7. Gas It Up

This goes without saying: Before you can use your snow blower, it needs to have sufficient fuel. It’s helpful to always keep a safe gas canister filled in your garage after each use so you can refuel as needed without having to make a trip to the gas station in a snowstorm. This way, you can use your snow blower right away in the moments when you need it most.

If you’re storing gasoline in your garage for several months, there are fuel stabilizer products you can purchase to mix in with the gas to keep it fresh and usable.

8. Keep Up Regular Snow Blower Servicing

Your snow blower should be serviced annually to keep it in good condition long-term. You can schedule maintenance work with your local snow removal pros for professional service or DIY by following a simple snow blower maintenance checklist. Keep in mind a large part of taking care of your snow blower involves keeping up a steady oil and gas supply. Change the oil at the start of each winter season, and regularly monitor the gas meter as you use your machine. 

Leah Lopez Cardenas contributed to this article.