Snowblower Maintenance Tips

A snowblower makes it easy to clear snow from walkways, driveways and other areas. Like other outdoor power equipment, the snowblower must be properly maintained for safety purposes and in order to operate efficiently.

Single and two-stage If you have a four-stroke engine, the oil level should be checked after eight hours of use. It should be replaced every 50 hours of use or once every season. Fresh oil is a golden or amber color. As it ages, it will darken. Check your owner’s manual for the proper viscosity oil to use in colder temperatures. Note that two-stroke engines do not use engine oil. Before replacing engine oil, check your owner’s manual for the recommended way to tilt the snowblower. It varies from model to model. Unscrew the drain plug and release the oil into a bucket. Replace the plug and add fresh oil, as recommended by the manufacturer. Used oil should be recycled. Most small engine repair shops and auto parts stores have a free recycling program. Call your local shop for more information.

There is high risk of damage to fuel filters if cleaned so replacement is recommended. Also, it is nearly impossible to determine if they are clogged.

Spray a degreaser on greasy and dirty areas. Allow the degreaser to sit for 10-15 minutes before wiping with a clean cloth.

This will keep fuel fresh longer and prevent clogs in the carburetor. Follow the owner’s manual for instructions on leaving fuel in the engine during storage, as this varies by manufacturer.

Fuel caps have small vent holes to allow air into the fuel tank. If the fuel cap air vent holes are blocked by buildup or debris, replace the fuel cap. During the off season, cover or close the fuel cap vents.

Check the tires for wear. If your snowblower has pneumatic tires, use a tire pressure gauge to check the air pressure.

Lubricate wheel bearings, auger bearings, and the impeller bearings - Lubricating moving parts periodically will make sure all parts turn and move correctly.

Do a thorough job checking the scraper blade and slide shoes (a.k.a. skid shoes) for wear. These parts have the important job of protecting the housing from damage. Replace these parts if they have worn dangerously thin or are damaged beyond repair.

The tiny but mighty spark plug should be replaced at least one per season, even if it appears to be working fine. Over time, a spark plug’s performance will degrade due to carbon build-up and a weakened electrode. This dramatically increases emissions, reduces engine performance and increases fuel consumption. This spark plug wrench enables you to safely and efficiently remove or tighten a spark plug in your snowblower, lawn mower or other small engine.

For single-stage models, take a look at the auger paddles. If they have worn down so much that they no longer contact the ground, they should be replaced. Never let the rubber wear to a point that metal is exposed. That can cause major damage. Enter your snowblower’s model number to find replacement auger blade-rubber parts for your model.