Getting Your Snow Blower Ready for Spring

Posted on February 10, 2015 by SnowBlowerSource

Depending on where you live, groundhogs across the country both saw their shadows and didn’t. So, is it for certain that there’s still another six weeks of winter left? Quite possibly. There’s no sure answer one way or another, so the best approach is to assume you’ll still be using your snow blower here and there until the snow’s all gone. But until that happens — and we know the day’s coming close — Snow Blower Source has a couple of tips to remember when getting the machine ready for spring.

Do Some Final Block Maintenance

Usually, when you think of maintenance on your snow blower, it’s to smooth out any last kinks that may be in the way before you can use your machine for the season. You may be thinking of things like changing the oil and filter, ensuring you have a well working spark plug and that blades are nice and sharp. They’re all important, but maintaining it for spring is just as crucial, too.

Some of the things you’ll want to think about include:

Gas: Generally, fuel tanks like to be kept full because that way, there’s less room for oxygen to creep in and rust the inside of the tank. But if you keep the tank full for three-quarters of the year without using it, the gas will begin to separate and you’ll have another problem on your hands. Add a bit of fuel stabilizer, mix with low ethanol gasoline and then run the engine for about 10 minutes so the fuel’s stabilized everywhere.

Oil: Yes, we said that changing the oil and filter is usually what snow blower owners think of as a winter-ready maintenance thing, but you can do it before packing it away for the season, too. After all, the more care you show your snow blower, the better and longer it’ll be around for you. And really, changing the oil is one of the easiest ways of accomplishing that.

Spark Plug: While it may be technically okay to leave it in the snow blower until next winter, we vote for taking it out and storing it in a cool, dry place. This way, you’ll be better protecting it against damage from critters, cold weather, dry air and other things that can damage it. It’s not a terribly expensive part, but it is an important one.

Take It In To Be Serviced

The timing of this doesn’t necessarily have to be at the winter-spring junction, but we like it because that’s when most snow blowers aren’t thinking of doing the same. You’ll get better and faster service, a more detailed look at your machine, and the luxury of time to fix anything that may be wrong with it. After all, you’ve got eight months on your side, while snow blower owners who wait until November have only a matter of weeks.

So, take it in and have it looked at by professional eyes, who’ll make sure pins are tight and unbroken, pads and bars aren’t in need of fixing or replacing, all parts that need to be oiled are and any that are starting to rust can be replaced, and anything else your snow blower needs. It’s just a lot easier this way.