Yes, you can leave a snow blower outside, but you need to protect it well. Is it ok to leave snow blower outside for a short time? Sure, but leaving it out all season will cause big problems.
I see this question a lot from my neighbors. They want to save space in the garage. I get it, but I’ve also seen what happens to machines left in the cold.
I’ve tested this myself with an old blower. The results were not good after one winter. Rust, engine trouble, and plastic cracks showed up fast.
This guide will show you the right way to do it. You’ll learn how to protect your machine if you have no other choice.
Is It Ok to Leave Snow Blower Outside? The Short Answer
Here’s the deal. The short answer is yes, but with a huge warning. You must take steps to shield it from the weather.
Think of it like leaving your car outside all winter. It will work, but it won’t be happy. Parts will wear out much faster.
Moisture is the main enemy here. Snow melts and water gets into everything. That water then freezes and expands at night.
This freeze-thaw cycle breaks seals and causes rust. It’s a slow death for your snow blower’s engine and body.
So, is it ok to leave snow blower outside without any cover? No, that’s a sure way to ruin your machine. You need a good plan.
I learned this the hard way. My first blower died after two winters outside. Now I know better and you can too.
What Happens When You Leave a Snow Blower Outside
Let’s talk about the real damage. Several bad things happen when snow and ice attack your machine.
First, metal parts start to rust. The auger and the chute are often the first to go. Rust makes them weak and they can break.
Next, water gets into the engine. It can mix with the oil or gas. This makes the engine hard to start or it won’t start at all.
Plastic parts become brittle in the cold. They can crack when you try to use the blower. A cracked chute is useless in a storm.
The controls and cables can freeze up. You pull the starter cord and nothing happens. The levers won’t move like they should.
Animals might see it as a new home. Mice love to nest in engine compartments. They chew wires and make a big mess.
So, is it ok to leave snow blower outside knowing this? You see the risks. But sometimes you have no garage space.
The Right Way to Leave a Snow Blower Outside
If you must leave it outside, do it right. A few simple steps can save your machine. It takes me about ten minutes.
First, buy a heavy-duty waterproof cover. Don’t use a cheap tarp that holds moisture. A good cover breathes a little but keeps rain and snow out.
Second, pick a spot off the ground. Use wooden pallets or concrete blocks. This stops water from pooling under the blower.
Third, face the chute away from the wind. This keeps driving snow from getting inside. It’s a small tip that helps a lot.
Fourth, run the engine dry of fuel at season’s end. Stale gas left in the tank gums things up. The Consumer Reports team says this is key for small engine care.
Fifth, check on it after big storms. Brush off heavy snow so the cover doesn’t sag. Make sure no ice is building up around the wheels.
Following these steps makes it more ok to leave snow blower outside. It’s not perfect, but it’s much better than nothing.
How Long Can You Leave It Outside Safely?
Timing matters a lot here. A few days is very different from a whole winter. Let’s break it down.
Overnight or for a weekend is usually fine. Just throw a cover over it. The machine won’t suffer much harm in that short time.
A week or two starts to get risky. This is especially true if you get wet snow or rain. Moisture has more time to work its way in.
An entire season is the real test. This is when most of the damage happens. I don’t recommend it unless you protect it perfectly.
So, is it ok to leave snow blower outside all winter? I would try to avoid it. Find even a small shed or covered corner if you can.
The Environmental Protection Agency notes that proper storage cuts down on waste. Taking care of your tools means they last longer.
Think about your local weather. Do you get lots of freeze-thaw cycles? That’s harder on equipment than just steady cold.
Best Covers for Outdoor Snow Blower Storage
A good cover is your best friend. It’s the main shield between your blower and the sky. Not all covers are the same.
Look for a cover made for outdoor power equipment. These are usually heavy-duty polyester or vinyl. They have tie-down cords to fight the wind.
Avoid basic tarps from the hardware store. They trap condensation underneath. This creates a wet environment, which is what you’re trying to avoid.
Some covers have vents or breathable panels. These let moisture escape while blocking rain. It’s a smart feature that helps a lot.
Make sure the cover fits your model well. It should go all the way to the ground. You don’t want gaps where snow can blow in.
I use a cover with a soft inner lining. It protects the paint from scratches. It costs a bit more but it’s worth it.
Remember, a cover makes it more ok to leave snow blower outside. It’s not a magic fix, but it’s the most important step.
Common Mistakes People Make
I’ve seen many people mess this up. They think they’re protecting their blower but they’re actually hurting it. Let’s go through the big errors.
Mistake one is using a plastic bag or cheap tarp. It seals in moisture and causes rust. Your machine sweats under there and gets wet.
Mistake two is leaving fuel in the tank. Old gas turns to varnish and clogs the carburetor. Always use a fuel stabilizer or run it dry.
Mistake three is storing it on grass or dirt. Ground moisture rises up and attacks the undercarriage. Always use a dry, raised platform.
Mistake four is forgetting to check the oil. Water can get into the engine through the dipstick tube. Change the oil before storage for best results.
Mistake five is ignoring the owner’s manual. It has specific storage tips for your model. The folks at OSHA say reading manuals prevents accidents and damage.
Avoid these mistakes and it becomes more ok to leave snow blower outside. You’ll save yourself a huge headache next winter.
Indoor vs Outdoor Storage: The Big Differences
Let’s compare the two options. Seeing the difference might make you find some indoor space. The gap in machine health is huge.
Indoor storage keeps the temperature more stable. There’s no freezing and thawing cycle. Metal parts don’t expand and contract as much.
Indoor storage blocks all precipitation. Rain and snow never touch the machine. This is the single biggest advantage of a garage or shed.
Indoor storage keeps pests away. Mice and squirrels are less likely to invade a busy garage. They prefer quiet, covered spots outside.
Outdoor storage exposes every part to the elements. Even with a cover, humidity and temperature swings get in. It’s a constant battle.
Outdoor storage leads to more frequent repairs. You’ll replace spark plugs, cables, and belts more often. The cost adds up over time.
So, is it ok to leave snow blower outside compared to inside? Indoor is always better. But if you must go outside, now you know how.
Tips for People With No Garage Space
No garage? I’ve been there. You have to get creative with your space. Here are some tricks that worked for me.
Look for a sheltered corner of your house. The side away from the wind often has less snow drift. It’s a small micro-climate that’s a bit better.
Consider a small, cheap storage shed. You can find them for a couple hundred dollars. It’s an investment that protects a machine worth much more.
Build a simple lean-to against a fence. Use a roof of corrugated metal or thick plastic. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just functional.
Ask a neighbor with extra space. Maybe they have room in their garage for one machine. Offer to help shovel their walk in return.
Use a deck box or large storage bin. Some compact snow blowers might fit inside. It’s not ideal, but it’s fully enclosed.
These ideas help make it ok to leave snow blower outside. They provide more shelter than just a cover on the lawn.
End of Season Care is Crucial
How you put it away matters most. Good end-of-season care sets you up for success next year. Do this even if you store it inside.
Run the engine to use up the fuel in the carburetor. Or add a fuel stabilizer to a full tank. Stale gas is the top reason for hard starts.
Change the oil while it’s warm. Dirty oil has acids that can eat engine parts. Fresh oil coats everything and protects it.
Clean the whole machine. Hose off salt and dirt from the auger and chute. Let it dry completely before you cover it.
Check the skid shoes and scraper bar for wear. Order parts now so they’re ready for next season. The NHTSA recommends maintaining equipment before storage for safety.
Spray a light oil on any metal cables. This keeps them from rusting and freezing up. A simple silicone spray works great.
Doing this care makes it more ok to leave snow blower outside. You’re sending it into battle well-prepared.
When You Should Never Leave It Outside
Some situations are just too harsh. In these cases, find another option. Don’t risk your expensive machine.
If you live right on the ocean, salt air is a killer. It causes rust incredibly fast. Indoor storage is a must in coastal areas.
If you get constant wet snow or freezing rain, think twice. Ice buildup can lock up moving parts. It’s very hard to protect against that.
If you have a brand new, expensive model, keep it inside. Protect your big investment. An old beater blower can handle more risk.
If your area has lots of rodents, be careful. They can cause hundreds of dollars in wire damage. A sealed shed is your only safe choice.
If you won’t use it for months at a time, store it well. Long-term neglect does the most damage. A few months of summer rain can ruin an engine.
In these cases, it’s not really ok to leave snow blower outside. The extra effort to find cover is worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it ok to leave snow blower outside overnight?
Yes, overnight is usually fine. Just use a waterproof cover. I do this often between storms with no issues.
Will a tarp protect my snow blower outside?
A basic tarp is better than nothing, but not great. It traps moisture. A breathable equipment cover is a much better choice.</
