November 01, 2014

How to store a snowblower

Your snowblower worked hard all winter, battling the elements to keep your paths clear. Now, it’s time to give it a well-earned break. A little maintenance now ensures it fires up smoothly next winter, avoiding rust, fuel issues, and worn-out parts.

The best place to store a snowblower is in a dry garage or shed, where it’s safe from moisture and temperature extremes. If indoor storage isn’t an option, you can store it outside—just elevate it on blocks and cover it with a heavy-duty tarp to protect it from rain and snow.

For troubleshooting tips and step-by-step repairs, visit our snowblower repair help page.

Remove or Stabilize Snowblower Gas

Gas left in the tank can form deposits that clog fuel lines and the carburetor. Either remove it or stabilize it before storage.

To remove fuel, run the engine until it stalls. Drain any remaining gas into an approved container. Run the engine outdoors until it stops completely. Dispose of fuel properly.
To stabilize fuel, add stabilizer to fresh gas in a separate container. Pour the treated fuel into the tank and run the engine for 10 minutes to circulate it through the carburetor.

Change the Snowblower Engine Oil

For best engine performance, change the engine oil before storage. Start by running the engine for a few minutes to warm up the oil, making it easier to drain. Turn off the engine and remove the drain plug to let the old oil fully drain into an approved container. Replace the drain plug and refill the engine with fresh oil as specified in your owner’s manual.

To further protect the engine, lubricate the piston and cylinder. Remove the spark plug and pour a teaspoon of clean engine oil into the spark plug hole. Cover the hole with a clean shop towel and pull the starter cord several times to distribute the oil evenly inside the cylinder. Reinstall the spark plug securely.

Clean the Snowblower Thoroughly

Wash off salt, dirt, and debris from the auger blades, frame, and tires. Dry metal areas with a clean rag. Apply rust and corrosion spray to exposed metal surfaces.

Lubricate Snowblower Moving Parts

Apply lubricant to the drive gear shaft, wheel axles, chute control, and auger shaft as directed in the owner’s manual.

Tighten Snowblower Fasteners

Inspect and tighten nuts, bolts, and fasteners on the auger and chute. Secure cables and connections to prevent wear and tear.

Inspect and Repair Snowblower Components

Check for rust, damaged paint, and worn parts. Lightly sand rusted areas before applying touch-up paint. Replace worn-out components before storing the machine.

If you're having trouble replacing any parts, these step-by-step guides should help:

For more DIY repair tips and troubleshooting, visit our snowblower repair help page.

Cover and Store the Snowblower Properly

Use a heavy-duty snowblower cover or tarp. Store the machine in a dry garage or shed. If storing outdoors, elevate it on blocks and keep it fully covered.

Following these steps extends the life of your snowblower and ensures it's ready to go when the snow returns.