The winter season is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to get your snow blower ready for action. Even if you did a seasonal tune-up before putting away your blower for summer storage, you don’t want to be caught off guard when the first heavy snowfall hits. A few simple steps and little prep now can save you from a lot of frustration later.

15 Things to Check Before the First Snowfall

Before you fire up your snow blower for the season, give it a thorough check-up. If you've kept up with your blower for maintenance, this quick inspection will only take a couple of minutes. If you haven't stayed on top of it, it's very important to make sure that it’s working smoothly so that you can avoid any last-minute headaches when the snow finally arrives.

  • Inspect the spark plug: Give the spark plug a good look. If it’s worn out or covered in grime, replace it to ensure an easy start.
  • Check the fuel: Draining the fuel tank is an essential step. Check the fuel lines too. Refill with the appropriate gas and be sure to add a fuel stabilizer. Old gas can cause engine damage.
  • Oil change: Just like your car's routine maintenance, your snow blower oil needs to be changed. Drain any old oil and refill with the manufacturer-recommended oil. Check the oil level at a later time to check for leaks before the snow arrives.
  • Test the tires: Low tire pressure can make it harder to maneuver your blower. Check for any leaks or cracks, and inflate the tires to the recommended PSI. Add a layer of grease or anti-seize compound to keep the axle shafts moving smoothly.
Checking the oil level in a snowblower.
Check the oil. Credit: Emily Fazio
  • Inspect belts for wear: Remove the belt cover and check belts for signs of wear like stretching or cracks. Replace as needed. Check the belt tension now to make sure have your equipment ready.
  • Examine the auger and scraper blade: These pieces work in tandem to break up and scoop the snow. Make sure the auger blades aren’t bent or worn and that the scraper blade is not cracked. Replacing these annually is not uncommon in areas with wet snow.
  • Lubricate moving parts: Keep your snow blower moving smoothly. Grease fittings and lubricate all the pivots, linkages, and the auger shaft. This layer of grease or lubricant will reduce wear and help everything run quietly.
  • Inspect the shear pins: The shear bolts are little pins that protect your auger from breaking if it hits something hard. Make sure they’re intact and not worn down. Keep spares on hand, as they can snap during use.
  • Check the scraper blade: The scraper blade at the bottom of your snow blower helps clear snow close to the ground. Worn scraper blades need to be replaced.

Man pushes electric snow blower on a driveway with a few inches of snowfall.
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  • Test the chute controls: Ensure the discharge chute rotates freely and stays in position. Lubricate if necessary and make sure the directional controls are responsive.
  • Look at the skid shoes: Your snow blower’s skid shoes should be on either side of the auger housing. If they are worn down, they won’t protect your driveway or your blower. Replace them if they’re looking thin.
  • Test the throttle and controls: Make sure the throttle, speed settings, and other controls work smoothly and respond quickly. You don’t want any surprises when you're knee-deep in snow!
  • Examine the recoil starter: If your blower has a manual start, check the cord for fraying or wear. A snapped starter cord in the middle of a snowstorm is the last thing you need.
  • Tighten loose bolts: Snow blowers vibrate a lot during use, which can loosen bolts. Go over the machine and tighten up any that might have worked their way loose.
  • Test the electric starter (if applicable): If your blower has an electric starter, plug it in and make sure it engages without hesitation.

As you conduct this annual tune-up, use common snowblower safety, keeping your hands away from any moving parts while it's running.

The users manual will have detailed instructions, but if you suspect other problems, contact a local service dealer for recommendations.

Lawn mower moves snow in a driveway.
Consider your weather patterns when choosing between a gas-powered or electric snow blower. Credit: Toro

Remember: Get Necessary Backups

After following standard maintenance tips, stock up on some essentials before the first heavy snow storm. Keep engine oil, fresh fuel, extra shear pins, bolts, and lubricant handy. These small items can be lifesavers in the middle of the cold weather season, and you’ll thank yourself for having backups when something minor needs a quick fix. Being prepared means less downtime and more time clearing snow efficiently.