In a dry, covered spot – that’s where you should store your snowblower for the summer. Learning how to store snowblower the right way keeps it ready for next winter and saves you money on fixes.
I’ve seen too many people just push their machine into a corner when spring comes. They pay for it later with a hard start or worse. A little work now means it will roar to life when the first flakes fall.
I’ve tested all the tips and tricks over many seasons. The steps are simple and don’t take much time. This guide will walk you through the whole process from start to finish.
We’ll cover fuel, oil, cleaning, and the best spot to keep it. Follow this plan and your snowblower will thank you next year.
Why You Need to Store Your Snowblower Right
Here’s the thing. A snowblower is a big investment. You want it to last for many winters.
Storing it wrong can lead to big problems. Rust can eat at the metal parts. Old fuel can gum up the engine’s insides.
I learned this the hard way my first year. I left gas in the tank over summer. The engine wouldn’t start at all when I needed it.
That repair cost me more than I want to say. Now I take an hour each spring to do it right. It’s worth every minute.
Proper storage is just good upkeep. Think of it as putting your machine to bed for a long nap. You want it to wake up happy and strong.
The Consumer Reports team says engine care is key for small machines. Their guides back up these simple steps.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Store Snowblower
Let’s get into the real work. This is my exact routine every single year.
First, I run the machine until it’s out of gas. You want the fuel tank and the carburetor to be empty. This stops the bad gas from causing issues.
Next, I change the engine oil. Old oil gets dirty and acidic over a season. Fresh oil protects the engine parts while it sits.
Then, I give the whole machine a good clean. I hose off all the salt, dirt, and old snow. I make sure it’s totally dry after to fight rust.
I also check the scraper bar and the paddles. If they look worn, I make a note to replace them before next season. It’s easier to remember now.
Finally, I move it to its summer home. I pick a spot that’s dry and out of the way. A shed or garage corner works great.
This whole process takes me about an hour. It’s a small price for peace of mind. Knowing how to store snowblower this way makes winter easy.
The Fuel Problem: What to Do With Gas
Gas is the number one enemy during storage. Modern fuel with ethanol breaks down fast.
When it breaks down, it leaves a sticky gunk. This gunk clogs the tiny fuel jets in the carburetor. A clogged carburetor means no start.
You have two good choices here. The first is to run the tank dry like I said. Just let the engine die from no fuel.
The second choice is to add a fuel stabilizer. This is a liquid you mix into the gas. It keeps the fuel fresh for many months.
If you use a stabilizer, fill the tank to the top. A full tank has less air inside. Less air means less chance for water to form from moisture.
Run the engine for five minutes after adding it. This gets the treated fuel into the carburetor too. Now you know how to store snowblower fuel the safe way.
The Environmental Protection Agency has tips on handling small engine fuels. Proper disposal of old gas is important for your area.
Finding the Perfect Storage Spot
Where you put it matters a lot. The ideal spot checks a few boxes.
It needs to be dry. Dampness leads to rust on the metal chute and auger. A concrete floor in a garage is better than a dirt floor in a shed.
It should be covered. A simple tarp over the machine keeps dust off. It also stops kids or pets from bumping into it.
Pick a place that’s out of the main walkway. You don’t want to trip over it all summer. A corner against a wall is perfect.
Make sure the spot is level. You don’t want the machine leaning or tipping. Set the parking brake and chock the wheels if you have them.
Think about pests too. Mice love to make nests in quiet engines. You might want to put a few mothballs nearby to keep them away.
Learning how to store snowblower in the right spot is half the battle. A good home keeps it safe until the cold returns.
Should You Remove the Spark Plug?
This is a common question. My answer is yes, you should.
Taking out the spark plug serves two jobs. First, it lets you put a bit of oil into the cylinder. This oil coats the inside walls to prevent rust.
Second, it makes the engine impossible to start by accident. This is a key safety step if you have curious kids around.
The process is easy. Just disconnect the spark plug wire first. Then use a socket wrench to unscrew the plug.
Pour about a tablespoon of clean engine oil into the hole. Slowly pull the starter cord a few times. This spreads the oil around.
Now put the spark plug back in. Don’t reconnect the wire yet. You’ll do that next fall when you’re ready to use it.
This small step is a pro move. It shows you really know how to store snowblower for the long haul. Your engine will be pristine inside.
Cleaning and Protecting the Outside
A clean machine is a happy machine. All that road salt and grime is corrosive.
I use a garden hose with a spray nozzle. I spray down the entire chute, auger, and body. I get all the caked-on snow and salt off.
For tough spots, a plastic putty knife works great. It scrapes off the chunks without scratching the paint. Then I hose it again.
After washing, drying is critical. I use an old towel to wipe down all the metal parts. Any leftover water will cause rust spots.
Once it’s dry, I spray a light coat of silicone spray on the auger and chute. This puts a protective layer on the metal. It keeps it shiny and smooth.
I also check the skid shoes and scraper bar. If they are worn down, I order new ones now. Parts can be hard to find in a fall snow panic.
This cleaning step is vital when you learn how to store snowblower. A clean start next season makes the first use a breeze.
Common Storage Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made some of these myself. Let’s talk about what not to do.
Never just park it with a full tank of untreated gas. This is the biggest mistake and the most costly to fix. The gunk will ruin your carburetor.
Don’t leave the battery connected if you have an electric start. The battery will slowly die over the months. Take it out and keep it on a trickle charger in a cool place.
Avoid storing it outside, even under a tarp. Rain, sun, and big temperature changes are bad. They cause rust, cracked tires, and faded paint.
Don’t forget to release the tension on the auger drive belt. If it’s a manual engagement, put the control in the disengaged position. This keeps the belt from stretching.
Skipping the oil change is another bad move. Used oil holds acids and metal bits. These can damage bearings and seals while it sits.
Knowing how to store snowblower means avoiding these traps. A little care prevents a lot of headache later.
Getting It Ready for Next Winter
Your work in the fall is much easier if you stored it right. Here’s your wake-up checklist.
First, put in a fresh spark plug. The old one might be fouled from last season. A new one gives a strong spark for an easy start.
If you took the battery out, put it back in. Make sure it’s fully charged. Connect the cables nice and tight.
Now add fresh gasoline to the tank. Use the octane rating your manual suggests. I always use fuel with no ethanol if I can find it.
Check the tire pressure. Tires can lose air over many months. Fill them to the level shown on the sidewall.
Give the whole machine a quick visual check. Look for any mouse nests or chewed wires. Make sure all the controls move freely.
Finally, start it up in a well-ventilated area. Let it run for a few minutes. Listen for any odd sounds.
See? Knowing how to store snowblower makes the fall prep simple. It should start on the first or second pull.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reminds users to check safety features. Make sure your kill switch and controls work before clearing snow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I store my snowblower?
You can store it for many months, even years, if you do it right. The key steps are treating the fuel and protecting it from moisture. A dry, covered spot is best.
Should I store my snowblower with gas or without?
Store it with an empty tank or a full tank treated with stabilizer. Never store it with untreated gas. That old gas will turn to varnish and cause problems.
Can I store my snowblower in an unheated shed?
Yes, an unheated shed is fine if it’s dry. Big temperature swings aren’t great, but dryness is more important. Just make sure to prep the fuel system first.
Do I need to change the oil before storage?
Yes, you should. Fresh oil doesn’t have the acids and contaminants that old oil does. Changing it before storage protects the engine’s inside parts all summer.
How do I store a snowblower with a plastic chute?
The process is the same. Just be gentle when cleaning it. Don’t use harsh chemicals on the plastic. A dry storage spot is still key to prevent mold or mildew.
Is it okay to leave the battery in over the summer?
It’s better to take it out. Store the battery in a cool, dry place indoors. Put it on a battery maintainer to keep it charged. This makes the battery last much longer.
Conclusion
So, how to store snowblower? It’s all about the prep work before you tuck it away.
Deal with the fuel, change the oil, give it a good clean, and find a dry home. These steps are simple but powerful. They protect your investment and save you money.
I promise it’s worth the time. A well-stored machine starts easy and runs strong. You’ll be glad you did it when the first big storm hits.
Follow this guide and you’ll become a pro. You’ll know exactly how to store snowblower for a perfect performance next winter. Now go enjoy your summer.
