Hello there. My name is Gretchen, I’m one of the authors at BumperCropTimes.com. Me and my husband Bryan have been fond of gardening, landscaping, and home maintenance for a long time. My today’s post is focused on snow blowers. We’ve had the chance to test lots of snow blower machines, we know all about the 2 stage vs 3 stage snow blower difference, and are always eager to share our experience with you both here and on our blog. In this post, I’m going to elaborate on how to prep your snow blower for winter.
Whenever you feel that snow is on the way, prepping your snow blower for the winter season is a wise decision. If you do that in advance, you will be 100% sure that your snow remover machine won’t die on you once the first snow storm arrives. Getting your snow remover ready won’t take up too much of your time. But it will definitely help you identify any problems that may require professional repair. A lot of repair service companies offer delicious pre-season discounts for yearly snow blower tune-ups.
So, here are 4 easy steps to get your snow blower ready for winter.
1. Inspect for Damage & Get Fixin’
Take the time to examine your snow blower. Ensure the auger, scraper, skid shoes, and other major elements of the construction are in good condition. Check the cables, handles, and belts to make sure they are secure and in place. Tighten up anything that’s loosened. If you discover damaged elements, consider replacing them with the new ones before the first flakes start flying.
2. Change the Oil
The fuel for your snow remover machine should not be more than 30 days old. If the oil in your snow remover looks cloudy and dirty, it means you probably haven’t changed it since the end of the previous winter season. Therefore, it’s time for a refill. Look up in your manual how to drain and dispose the used oil correctly. After that, refill the machine with clean fresh oil of the appropriate type and grade.
3. Focus on Tire Pressure
Inspect your tires for proper inflation, since long periods of storage can seriously affect their condition. This important step prevents further (a lot more critical) damage. In the majority of cases, you can inflate the tires using a common bicycle pump. Look up the required tire pressure in your snow remover user manual. Are you sick of using pneumatic tires? Then maybe you should consider replacing them with the airless ones.
4. Start the Engine
Now, it’s time to put your snow blower machine through its paces. Start the engine and let it work for some time. Make sure there are no strange sounds and/or smells. If things look (and work) well, your snow blower beast is all ready for the snow storms. You’re free to visit BumperCropTimes.com for more information on how to maintain your snow remover throughout the season as well as tips on putting it away when winter is over.
Final Thought: Prevention is the Best Cure
Aside from the distinction in details, ensuring that your snow remover machine is ready for the winter season is just like taking care of your car (or your own health even). Prevention is always the best cure. So make the most of my tips above if you don’t want to get caught off-guard by the first snowfall.