🌨First Snow’s Coming – Is Your Snow Blower Up for the Job?

Before that first big snowfall hits,

Make sure your snow blower is ready to roll.

A little preseason maintenance now can save you a lot of hassle—and maybe even a sore back—later on.

Below is a quick checklist to get your machine in top shape for winter!

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❄Get Your Snow Blower Ready for Winter: A Simple Prep Guide

With winter just around the corner, it’s time to prep your snow blower for the season’s snowy challenges. Don’t wait until the first big snowfall hits to find out your snow blower won’t start or, even worse, breaks down halfway through your driveway. A little preseason maintenance can save you a lot of cold, hard frustration later on. Here’s what you need to do to get your snow blower ready for action this winter.

1. Start with a Visual Inspection

Before diving into maintenance, do a quick inspection to check for visible damage. Look over the handles, cables, augers, and other moving parts. Any loose bolts, bent metal, or worn-out parts? Tighten bolts, straighten any bent areas, and make note of any parts that look like they’ll need replacing.

2. Drain and Replace the Fuel

Old fuel can be a snow blower’s worst enemy. If there’s leftover gas from last season, it’s likely gone stale and can clog up your fuel system, making it tough for your blower to start. Here’s how to handle it:

• If You Have Old Gas in the Tank – Drain it out completely. This can be done by siphoning it out into a container, or if you’re comfortable, by removing the carburetor bowl at the base to let fuel drain. Once drained, add fresh gas and, if you’d like extra protection, consider a fuel stabilizer to keep it fresh through the season.

• Using Fresh Fuel – If you’re starting with an empty tank, fill up with fresh, winter-ready gas (usually regular unleaded works, but check your snow blower’s manual). Many people add a fuel stabilizer to each tank for easier starting in cold conditions.

3. Check the Oil Level

Like any gas-powered engine, your snow blower needs the right amount and quality of oil. Over time, oil degrades, especially if it’s been sitting unused for months. Check the dipstick, and if the oil looks dark or low, go ahead and change it.

• Changing the Oil – This process is simple: drain the old oil by unscrewing the drain plug, let it flow into a container, and replace it with the oil recommended by your manufacturer (often SAE 5W-30 for cold weather). A full oil change is recommended at the start of each season.

4. Inspect the Spark Plug

A worn or dirty spark plug can make starting your snow blower a challenge. Pull out the spark plug and check for signs of wear, such as black carbon buildup or a damaged electrode. If it’s looking rough, replace it—spark plugs are inexpensive and can make a world of difference.

• Cleaning or Replacing – If the spark plug looks relatively clean, give it a quick scrub with a wire brush. If it’s worn out, get a new one that matches the specifications in your snow blower’s manual, screw it in, and reconnect the spark plug wire.

5. Examine and Lubricate Moving Parts

The auger and impeller are the parts of the snow blower that do the heavy lifting. Make sure they’re moving freely and aren’t rusted or jammed up. Apply a light machine oil or lubricant to moving parts to keep them from freezing up. You should also check the auger belt to make sure it’s not frayed or loose. If it’s showing wear, replace it now before it breaks mid-season.

6. Check Tire Pressure (for Wheeled Models)

If your snow blower has wheels, give them a quick check to ensure they’re properly inflated. Low tire pressure can make the machine harder to maneuver, especially on icy surfaces. Use a tire gauge and inflate to the recommended level.

7. Clear the Chute and Impeller of Debris

Over the offseason, dust and debris can collect in the chute and impeller areas. Before you start your snow blower, make sure these areas are clear to avoid any clogs or jams when you’re blowing snow. A quick rinse or a wipe-down can help, just make sure everything is dry before storing it.

8. Do a Test Run

Once everything’s set, it’s time to test your machine. Take it outside, fill the tank with gas, and give it a start. If it starts smoothly and the auger engages without issues, you’re good to go! If it sputters or doesn’t start, double-check that everything is secure and that there’s no air leak in the fuel system. Sometimes, letting it run for a few minutes will help it get back into working order.

Final Thoughts

Prepping your snow blower for winter takes a little time but will make the rest of the season a lot easier. A bit of oil, fresh gas, and a new spark plug will do wonders for reliable performance, and a well-lubricated auger and impeller keep things running smoothly. With your snow blower in top shape, you’ll be ready to clear your driveway in no time when the snow starts to pile up.

Q&A❓ What can I do with leftover Halloween candy?

My personal favorite is turning leftover Halloween candy into delicious homemade "blizzards”

Start by blending vanilla ice cream until it's smooth but still thick, then stir in chopped candy pieces like chocolate bars, peanut butter cups, or crushed cookies.

The candy adds a satisfying crunch and flavor bursts that make each bite unique.

You can experiment with different candy combinations to find your favorite mix.

Serve it up in a bowl or cup, and enjoy an easy, tasty dessert that's a great way to use up extra sweets from Halloween!