Yes, you can store a snow blower outside, but you need to protect it well. The real question is not can you store a snow blower outside, but how to do it right so your machine lasts for years.
Garage space is tight for many folks. You might not have a shed or indoor spot free. I get it. You need a place for your big machine.
I’ve tested outdoor storage for several winters. Some methods work great. Others lead to big repair bills fast. Let me share what I learned.
This guide will show you the safe way to do it. You’ll learn how to shield your blower from rain, snow, and cold. Follow these steps to keep it running smooth.
Can You Store a Snow Blower Outside Safely?
Let’s talk safety first. Storing it outside comes with real risks. You need to know them before you decide.
Rain and snow are your biggest enemies. Water gets into the engine and fuel system. This causes rust and gummed-up parts. It’s a slow death for your machine.
Extreme cold is another problem. It can crack plastic parts and make rubber brittle. The oil inside gets too thick. Starting it next season becomes a huge fight.
Animals look for warm places in winter. Mice and squirrels love engine bays. They chew wires and make nests. This causes costly damage you won’t see until spring.
The sun’s UV rays break down paint and plastic over time. Your blower fades and gets weak spots. It looks old before its time.
So, can you store a snow blower outside safely? You can, but you must fight these four things. Good protection beats every one of them.
Think of it like wearing a coat in winter. Your snow blower needs its own heavy coat. The right cover and prep work make all the difference.
How to Prepare Your Snow Blower for Outdoor Storage
Getting your blower ready is key. Do this work before the first big storm hits. A little effort now saves you a lot of trouble later.
First, run the engine until it’s out of gas. Old fuel left in the tank turns to varnish. This clogs the carburetor and fuel lines. The Consumer Reports team says stale gas is a top cause of spring starting problems.
Next, change the oil while the engine is warm. Dirty oil has acids that eat metal from the inside. Fresh oil coats the parts and prevents rust. This is a must-do step.
Remove the spark plug and add a teaspoon of new oil into the cylinder. Pull the starter cord a few times to spread it around. This keeps the piston and rings from sticking. Put the plug back in tight.
Give the whole machine a good wash. Use a garden hose and mild soap. Get rid of all salt, dirt, and old snow. Let it dry completely before you cover it. Wet parts under a cover rust faster.
Check the scraper bar and skid shoes for wear. Replace them if they look thin. Lubricate all the moving points with grease. This stops them from freezing up.
Finally, disconnect the spark plug wire for safety. You don’t want the engine to start by accident. Now your blower is ready for its outdoor home.
The Best Outdoor Storage Covers for Snow Blowers
A good cover is your best friend. It’s the main shield between your machine and the weather. Don’t just use a cheap tarp.
Look for a cover made for outdoor power equipment. These are usually heavy-duty polyester or canvas. They have water-resistant coatings that shed rain and snow. The EPA notes proper storage reduces environmental waste from broken machines.
Make sure the cover is breathable. Moisture needs to escape from underneath. A non-breathable cover traps wet air. This causes condensation and mold on your blower.
Get the right size. It should be slightly bigger than your machine. You need room to tie it down at the bottom. A tight fit can rub and damage the paint over time.
Features like elastic hems and tie-down straps are great. They keep the cover from blowing away in the wind. Look for reinforced areas where handles and chutes poke out.
Consider a cover with a soft inner lining. This protects the paint job from scratches. It’s a nice extra that adds years to the look of your blower.
I use a cover rated for “all seasons.” It has lasted me three winters so far. My blower looks and works like new each fall. This proves you can store a snow blower outside with the right gear.
Choosing the Right Spot to Store Your Snow Blower Outside
Location matters a lot. Where you put the blower is as important as the cover. Think about these factors.
Pick a spot that’s as dry as possible. Avoid low areas where water pools. Look for natural high ground on your property. Even a few inches of elevation helps.
Try to find some overhead shelter. The side of your house under the eaves is perfect. A tree with thick branches can work too. The goal is to block direct rain and snow.
Keep it away from busy walkways. You don’t want people tripping over it in the dark. Also, keep it clear of where snow slides off your roof. A heavy ice slide can crush it.
Make sure the spot is easy to get to. You’ll need to reach it during a storm. Don’t bury it behind summer furniture or the kids’ toys. Clear a simple path.
Think about the sun’s path. A spot with morning sun helps melt frost and dry dew. But all-day sun can fade colors and overheat the engine in spring. A little shade is good.
If you can, put it on a wooden pallet or concrete blocks. This gets the tires off the wet ground. It stops rust on the bottom frame and auger. This simple trick is a game-changer.
So, can you store a snow blower outside in a good spot? Yes, a smart location cuts your risks in half. Take an hour to find the best place. It’s worth it.
Long-Term vs. Seasonal Outdoor Storage
There’s a big difference between summer and winter storage. Your approach should change with the seasons. Let’s break it down.
Summer storage is the long haul. Your blower sits for 6-8 months without use. This is when animals and moisture do the most damage. You need maximum protection.
For summer, I add extra steps. I put mothballs in a small mesh bag under the cover. This keeps mice away. I also check the cover every month for tears or loose straps.
Winter storage is more active. You use the blower every few weeks. The cover goes on and off a lot. You need a system that’s quick and easy.
During winter, I keep a small brush near the storage spot. I brush off fresh snow from the cover after each storm. This stops weight from building up and tearing the fabric.
I also leave the fuel can and tools in a nearby waterproof bin. This way, I’m not running back to the garage for a quick fix. Everything I need is right there.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says to keep your work area clear. A dedicated outdoor storage zone follows this smart rule.
No matter the season, always run the engine for 5 minutes after a big clean-up. This dries out any moisture inside. Then let it cool before you put the cover back on. This habit keeps the engine happy.
Can you store a snow blower outside all year? You can, but your care routine must change. Summer needs a fortress mindset. Winter needs quick, regular checks.
Common Mistakes When Storing a Snow Blower Outside
I’ve seen people ruin good machines with simple errors. Avoid these common blunders to save money and stress.
The biggest mistake is using a plastic tarp. It seems like a good idea because it’s waterproof. But plastic doesn’t breathe. It creates a wet, sweaty tent that rusts metal fast.
Another error is storing it with a full gas tank. They think it will be ready to go. But gas goes bad in 30-60 days. It turns to a sticky gel that clogs everything. Always run it dry.
People forget to lift it off the ground. Tires sitting on dirt or grass rot. The bottom rusts from constant dampness. A simple wood platform fixes this for cheap.
Not checking the cover is a silent killer. A small tear lets in a surprising amount of water. Wind makes tears bigger fast. Inspect your cover after every major storm.
Storing it right next to a fertilizer or salt bag is bad. These materials give off fumes that corrode metal. Keep your blower away from garden chemicals.
Ignoring the auger and impeller is a mistake. People cover the engine but leave the metal bucket exposed. Spray the inside with a light oil like WD-40 to prevent rust there too.
Finally, never just park it and forget it for 8 months. Set a calendar reminder to check on it every 4-6 weeks. A quick look can spot a small problem before it becomes a big one.
Can you store a snow blower outside without these mistakes? Yes, if you know the traps. Learning from others’ errors is the cheapest repair manual you’ll ever get.
Extra Protection Tips for Harsh Winters
If you live where winters are brutal, you need extra armor. These tips add layers of defense against ice, wind, and deep cold.
Consider building a simple three-sided shelter. Use plywood and 2x4s to make a lean-to against your house or fence. It doesn’t need a front door. This blocks wind-driven snow and rain from the sides.
Use a silicone spray on all exposed cables and chute parts. This spray repels water and stops ice from sticking. It makes the chute turn easily on a cold morning.
For the engine, get a insulated cover made for small engines. It looks like a little blanket. You put it over the engine under the main cover. It keeps the block a bit warmer.
In areas with lots of snow, shovel a path to your blower after each storm. Don’t let it get buried. Digging out a buried, frozen blower is a terrible job.
If you use a electric start model, remove the battery. Store the battery indoors for the winter. Cold kills battery life. Bring it out only when you need to use the blower.
The National Weather Service provides frost depth maps. Know how deep the ground freezes in your area. If it’s deep, your blower’s tires could freeze to the ground. The pallet trick is critical here.
In spring, when the thaw comes, be ready for wet ground. Move your blower to a drier spot temporarily if its area becomes a mud pit. This prevents a muddy mess from splashing up inside the machine.
Can you store a snow blower outside in a harsh climate? You can, but you must go the extra mile. Think like a scout: “Be prepared.” A few more steps guarantee success.
What to Do If You Must Store a Snow Blower Outside Without a Cover
Maybe you’re in a pinch. Your cover ripped, or you haven’t bought one yet. Here’s how to manage short-term outdoor storage without proper gear.
First, use what you have. A large cardboard box is better than nothing. Drape it over the engine and auger housing. It will soak through eventually, but it blocks some sun and light snow.
Trash bags can be a temporary fix. Use several and tape them loosely around the main body. Do not seal it tight. Leave the bottom open so air can flow in and out.
Focus on protecting the
