Yes, you should prepare your snow blower for summer – this simple process keeps it safe and ready for next winter. Learning how to prepare snow blower for summer the right way saves you money and big headaches later.
I see it every year. People just push their blower into the garage after the last storm. They think it will be fine. Then winter comes again and the machine won’t start.
I’ve made this mistake myself. It cost me a lot of money to fix. Now I follow a simple routine each spring.
This guide will show you my exact steps. You’ll learn how to prepare snow blower for summer without any fuss. Your machine will thank you next season.
Why You Must Prepare Your Snow Blower for Summer
Let’s talk about why this job matters so much. It’s not just about being tidy.
Gas left in the tank turns bad over summer. It gets thick and gummy. This gunk clogs the small parts inside your engine.
Moisture from melted snow can cause rust. Rust eats away at metal parts. It makes moving pieces stick together.
Learning how to prepare snow blower for summer stops these problems. It’s a lot easier than fixing a broken engine. Trust me on this one.
The Consumer Reports group says good upkeep makes tools last longer. A little work now saves you cash later.
Think of it like putting on a coat before rain. You do it to avoid a bigger problem. Preparing your blower is the same idea.
Step 1: Clean the Machine Thoroughly
Start with a good clean. Your blower is probably covered in salt and dirt.
Use a garden hose to rinse off the outside. Be gentle around the engine area. You don’t want to force water into places it shouldn’t go.
Let the machine dry fully in the sun. This might take a few hours. Damp parts will rust over the summer months.
Scrape off any packed snow or ice from the auger. This is the spinning part that grabs snow. Use a plastic tool so you don’t scratch the metal.
Check the chute where snow flies out. Make sure it’s clear of blockages. A clean chute works better next year.
This first step is key when you prepare snow blower for summer. A clean machine is easier to check for problems.
Step 2: Deal with the Fuel System
This is the most important part. Bad gas causes most starting problems.
You have two good choices here. You can run the engine until the tank is empty. Or you can add a fuel stabilizer to fresh gas.
I like the stabilizer method. It’s simpler for me. You pour the treatment into the gas tank and run the engine for five minutes.
This treated gas now sits in all the small fuel lines. It keeps the rubber parts from drying out and cracking. The Environmental Protection Agency says stabilizers help cut down on bad fumes too.
Never leave untreated gas in the tank all summer. It will turn to varnish. This gunk is terrible for engines.
If you choose to drain the tank, do it safely. Use a siphon pump made for gas. Do this outside where air moves well.
Step 3: Change the Engine Oil
Oil gets dirty from use. Dirty oil has little bits of metal in it.
These bits grind away at engine parts over time. Changing the oil now means fresh oil sits in the engine all summer.
Check your owner’s manual for the right oil type. It’s usually a simple SAE 30 or 5W-30 weight. You can find this info online if you lost the book.
Run the engine for a few minutes first. Warm oil flows out better. Place a pan under the drain plug to catch the old oil.
Fill with new oil to the line on the dipstick. Don’t overfill it. Too much oil can cause its own problems.
Proper oil care is a big part of how to prepare snow blower for summer. It keeps the engine’s insides happy while it rests.
Step 4: Check and Protect Moving Parts
Look at all the parts that move. This includes the auger, the wheels, and the chute control.
Spray a light oil on any metal cables. This stops them from rusting solid. A rusted cable won’t move when you pull the lever.
Check the scraper bar and skid shoes on the bottom. These parts touch the ground. If they’re worn down, note it for replacement next fall.
Lubricate the chute rotation points. A little grease here makes turning easy. You’ll be glad you did this on the first snowy day.
According to OSHA, keeping tools in good shape prevents accidents. A well-oiled machine is a safer machine.
This step shows you how to prepare snow blower for summer by thinking ahead. You’re getting it ready for action, not just hiding it away.
Step 5: Remove and Store the Battery
If your blower has an electric start, it has a battery. This battery needs special care.
Take the battery out of the machine. Clean the terminals with a wire brush if they look corroded. Corrosion looks like white or green crusty stuff.
Store the battery in a cool, dry place. Your basement or a closet inside your house works well. Don’t leave it in a hot garage or shed.
Hook the battery to a maintenance charger if you have one. This little trickle charger keeps it from going dead. A dead battery often won’t come back to life.
If you don’t have a charger, just store it fully charged. Check the charge level once during the summer. Give it a boost if it gets low.
Battery care is a must when you prepare snow blower for summer. A new battery costs more than a whole tune-up.
Step 6: Find the Right Storage Spot
Where you store the blower matters a lot. A good spot protects your work.
Pick a dry place out of the weather. A garage or shed is perfect. If you must use a patio, buy a heavy-duty cover made for outdoor use.
Make sure the storage area doesn’t flood. Even a little water on the floor can cause rust. Put a wooden pallet under the machine if the floor is concrete.
Leave some space around the blower. Don’t pile garden tools on top of it. You want air to move around it to keep moisture down.
The FEMA site says storing gear properly helps it survive disasters. Think of summer heat and humidity as your blower’s little disaster.
Choosing a good home is the last step in how to prepare snow blower for summer. It’s like tucking it into bed for a long nap.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve seen people mess this up. Let’s learn from their errors.
Never just add stabilizer to old gas. The old gas is already bad. Always start with fresh gas when you use a stabilizer.
Don’t store the blower with the chute aimed up. Rain or condensation can pool inside. Always point the chute down for storage.
Avoid using plastic bags as covers. They trap moisture against the metal. This causes rust faster than no cover at all.
Don’t forget to check the shear pins. These are the bolts that break if you hit a rock. Make sure they’re not bent or cracked.
These mistakes can ruin your work to prepare snow blower for summer. A little attention to detail makes all the difference.
My Summer Checklist for You
Here’s my simple list. Print it out and check each item off.
First, clean the whole machine and let it dry. Second, treat the fuel with stabilizer or drain the tank. Third, change the engine oil to fresh stuff.
Fourth, lubricate all cables and moving parts. Fifth, remove and store the battery properly. Sixth, find a dry, safe storage spot.
I keep this list on my garage wall. It takes me less than an hour each spring. That hour saves me a whole day of frustration next winter.
When you prepare snow blower for summer, follow the list in order. Each step builds on the one before it. You’ll end up with a machine that’s truly ready to rest.
The USA.gov home improvement tips say checklists prevent missed steps. They’re right about that.
When to Call a Professional
Most people can do this job themselves. But sometimes you need help.
If your blower wasn’t running well last season, get it fixed now. Repair shops are slow in summer. You’ll get better service and maybe a lower price.
If you see major rust or cracks in the auger housing, get a pro opinion. This is the metal body that holds the spinning parts. Big damage here can be unsafe.
If you’re not comfortable changing oil or dealing with gas, that’s okay. Many small engine shops offer summer storage service. They’ll do the whole job for a fair fee.
Knowing when to ask for help is smart. It’s part of learning how to prepare snow blower for summer the right way. The goal is a working machine, not a DIY trophy.
I take my own mower to a pro every few years. They spot things I miss. It’s worth the peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to prepare snow blower for summer?
It takes about an hour if you have your supplies ready. This includes cleaning, fuel work, and oil change. Add time if you need to buy things first.
Can I just leave gas in the tank over summer?
No, you should not do this. Old gas turns to gum and clogs the engine. Always use stabilizer or drain the tank completely.
Where is the best place to store my snow blower?
A dry garage or shed is best. Keep it off wet concrete floors. Use a breathable cover if it’s in an open area.
Do I need to prepare snow blower for summer if it’s electric?
Yes, but it’s easier. Just clean it well and store the battery inside. Check the cord for any cracks or damage before you put it away.
Should I run the engine dry of gas?
This is one good method. Run it until it stops from lack of fuel. This clears gas from the carburetor bowl too.
When should I prepare snow blower for summer?
Do it right after your last use in spring. Don’t wait until summer heat sets in. Moisture and heat make problems worse.
Conclusion
So now you know how to prepare snow blower for summer. It’s a simple series of steps that pay off big time.
Start with a good clean. Deal with the fuel the right way. Change the oil and protect moving parts.
Your future self will thank you. You’ll avoid that awful moment when snow falls and your blower won’t start. That moment is full of bad words and cold hands.
Take an hour this weekend. Follow this guide on how to prepare snow blower for summer. You’ll save money, time, and your temper next winter season.
