Prepare Snowblower for Winter
Why It Matters
The first snow is not the time to discover your snowblower will not start. Preparation means you are ready when the storm hits.
Quick Guide
- 1
Gather your tools and materials
You'll need: Socket wrench. Materials required: Engine oil, Spare shear pins.
- 2
Perform the prepare snowblower for winter
Check oil, spark plug, shear pins, and auger condition on your snowblower before winter. Safety note: Never clear jams with the engine running.
- 3
Verify and clean up
Check that the work was completed correctly and clean up your workspace.
Tools & Materials
Tools
- Socket wrench
Materials
- Engine oil
- Spare shear pins
Community Tips
Drain the fuel tank completely or add a fuel stabilizer like Sta-Bil 360 Protection ($8-12) before storage to prevent varnish buildup that clogs carburetors and causes hard starts in spring. This 5-minute step eliminates the most common snowblower failure mode and saves expensive carburetor cleaning later.
Never attempt to clear a clogged chute while the engine runs or immediately after shutdown, as the auger can still rotate and cause severe hand injuries. Wait at least 10 minutes for the engine to cool, then use a wooden stick—never fingers—to dislodge packed snow.
Keep 3-4 spare shear pins ($3-6 per pack) on hand before winter arrives, since a single broken pin during a heavy storm can halt snow removal when replacements are unavailable. A socket wrench and 10 minutes of preparation time prevents being stranded when hardware stores sell out mid-season. ---