Start-of-winter snowblower care

When the leaves start falling, it’s the perfect time to bring out your snowblower and make sure it’s ready for winter. A quick preseason check helps you avoid surprises on the first snowy morning and keeps your machine running reliably all season long.

You’ll find even more winter prep tips, troubleshooting advice, and repair guides on our DIY snowblower repair help page.

Fuel up

Before anything else, make sure your snowblower has the right type of fuel and that it’s fresh.

Four-cycle models

Most modern gas snowblowers use a four-cycle engine. If you emptied the tank last spring, fill it with fresh gasoline that’s less than a month old. Leave about half an inch of space at the top of the tank so the fuel can expand as it warms.

Two-cycle models

If your snowblower uses a gas/oil mix, refill the tank with fresh unleaded gasoline and the correct ratio of two-cycle oil (often 40:1, or 1 gallon of gas to 3.2 ounces of oil).

Avoid automotive or marine oils and never use fuel blended with ethanol or methanol, which can damage the engine during storage.

Electric models

For electric snowblowers, inspect the extension cord for cracks or worn insulation. Replace it if damaged. For best performance, the cord should be no longer than 100 feet.

Check for storage damage

Even if your snowblower worked fine when you stored it last spring, bumps, nesting critters, and moisture can cause problems over the summer.

• Rotate the discharge chute left and right. If it sticks, adjust the chute crank.

• Check the auger housing and chute for tennis balls, branches, or small nests.

• Inspect the housing for dents or cracks that may affect performance.

Lubricate key components

Lubrication keeps the auger, wheels, and control linkages moving smoothly in cold weather. Your owner’s manual lists all lubrication points.

A few minutes of lubrication now prevents seized parts later.

Start it up

Move your snowblower outside and give it 10 to 15 minutes to adjust to the outdoor temperature. This helps the engine run more smoothly.

Start the machine and listen for unusual rattles or vibrations. Tighten any loose hardware.

Engage the auger to confirm it spins properly. If the auger doesn’t turn, you may have a damaged belt. Inspect the belt and replace it if it's broken or damaged.

Change the oil, filters and spark plug

A fresh oil change protects the engine and helps it start easily in the cold. Many owners do this at the start of winter to avoid stale oil sitting in the engine.

For step-by-step videos, check out:

• How to change snowblower oil

• How to check a snowblower spark plug

Here’s the basic process:

1. Warm the engine briefly so the oil drains better.

2. Remove the spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting.

3. Place a drain pan under the plug and remove the drain bolt.

4. After the oil drains completely, reinstall the plug.

5. Refill with the recommended oil without overfilling.

6. Replace or clean the air filter and fuel filter if equipped.

7. Install a new spark plug. Add a few drops of oil to the cylinder and pull the starter rope once or twice to distribute the oil.

Fill the tires

If your snowblower uses pneumatic tires, check the pressure and fill them to the level listed on the tire sidewall. Properly inflated tires improve traction and reduce strain on the drive system.

Stock up on maintenance essentials

Having a few basic parts on hand makes it easier to keep your snowblower in peak shape throughout the season. You’ll find spark plugs, belts, shear pins, fuel stabilizer, and more in our snowblower parts and accessories.