5 Essential End-of-Season Snowblower Maintenance Tips (Save Money & Headaches!)

Don’t just park your snowblower! Our 5-step end-of-season maintenance guide will ensure your machine starts easily next winter, saving you costly repairs. Protect your investment today.

Introduction: Why a Little Work Now Beats a Big Headache Later

You’ve relied on your snowblower all winter, and it’s performed flawlessly. Now that spring is here, the best way to say “thank you” is with some simple, essential maintenance.

Storing your snowblower properly isn’t just a good idea—it’s the single most important thing you can do to ensure it starts on the first pull (or button press) when the next nor’easter hits. Skip these steps, and you’re likely facing a clogged carburetor, stale fuel, and a costly trip to the repair shop next fall.

Follow these 5 essential steps to tuck your machine in for a long summer nap.

Tip 1: Fuel System: The #1 Cause of Springtime Starting Problems

This is the most critical step. Old gas left in the system will break down and form a gummy varnish that clogs the carburetor’s tiny jets.

You have two easy options:

• Option A: Add Fuel Stabilizer & Run It
  1. Buy a high-quality fuel stabilizer (like Sta-Bil).
  2. Add it to your gas can, fill the snowblower’s tank, and run the engine for 5-10 minutes. This circulates the treated fuel throughout the entire system, protecting the carburetor from the inside out.
• Option B: Drain the Tank Completely
  1. Turn off the fuel valve.
  2. Run the engine until it stalls from fuel starvation.
  3. Once cool, use a siphon pump to remove any remaining fuel from the tank.

Tip 2: Change the Oil – A Fresh Start for Your Engine

You wouldn’t put old, dirty oil in your car, and your snowblower engine deserves the same care. Acidic byproducts from combustion can contaminate the oil over time and corrode engine components from the inside during storage.

• How to: Run the engine for a few minutes to warm the oil (it drains easier). Place a drain pan under the drain plug, remove the plug, and let the old oil drain completely. Refill with the type and weight of oil recommended in your owner’s manual (typically SAE 5W-30).

Tip 3: Scrape & Protect the Auger and Chute

Wet, packed snow can freeze and cause rust inside the auger housing if left all summer.

• How to: Use a putty knife or a flexible scraper to remove all caked-on snow and ice from the inside of the auger housing and the discharge chute. Once dry, you can spray a light coating of silicone spray on the inside of the chute to prevent rust and ensure snow slides out easily next season.

Tip 4: Inspect for Wear & Tear

A quick visual inspection now gives you all summer to order and replace any worn parts.

• Check the Skid Shoes: These protect the auger housing from scraping the pavement. If they are worn down to the metal, order new ones.
• Check the Scraper Bar: This is the bar at the bottom of the auger housing. If it’s worn thin, it won’t clear snow effectively.
• Check the Belts: Look for any signs of cracking, fraying, or excessive wear.

Tip 5: The Final Send-Off: Clean & Store

• Clean It: Wipe down the entire machine with a damp cloth to remove salt, dirt, and grime. This prevents corrosion and keeps it looking new.
• Store It: Store your snowblower in a clean, dry place like a garage or shed. If you have pets, consider covering the intake and exhaust ports with a cloth to prevent nesting.

Conclusion: 30 Minutes Now Saves $150 Later

Taking 30-60 minutes this spring to perform these five simple tasks will protect your investment and guarantee you’re ready to conquer the first snowfall. You’ll save yourself the frustration, time, and money (a simple carb clean can cost over $150!) of a non-starting snowblower next winter.