If you do not want to stand in the cold arguing with a snow blower that does not run, then do the annual maintenance before the snow starts to fly. Regular maintenance will give you years of trouble free use, and less the attitude of your fan. Do not forget the security aspect, because without proper maintenance your snow blower could become a hazard.
Each fall before winter arrives, you should check all bolts, belts, and moving parts to ensure they are not damaged, loose or worn. Belts are best controlled by the elimination and control of the cracks. Replace worn parts, and tighten loose screws.
Turn your snow blower on its side and check the scraper bar. This is the bar that rubs against the ground and scraped the snow. This issue has, so check to see if they need replacement. If you forget to replace the bar when it is worn will cause damage to the housing of the snow blower, and that will hurt your pocket book. In fact, if your snow blower gets a lot of jobs through the season, regularly consults.
Check the rubber paddles and the rubber auger. If the finger is placed between the rubber and the housing is the time to replace the rubber. A new rubber will help your snow blower operate at its optimum performance level.
Check tires for wear and proper inflation. Adjust as needed. If you have tire chains for your snow blower, have them handy or put them in advance. There is nothing worse than looking in the cold, trying to remember where you put the chains.
There are only two types of snow blower engines: The two cylinders using mixed gas and oil. You only have to replace the spark plug of this type of engine.
If you have a four cylinder engine which uses straight gas, with oil in the crankcase as your vehicle, you must change the oil, spark plugs and filters. You should also check the oil every time it starts. Most four cylinders use 5W30 oil, and maintain approximately 20 ounces. Check your owner’s manual for the correct weight of oil, and replacement part numbers.
Lube the drive and chassis. If you have two stage blowers, make sure you check the lube in the gearbox. Consult your owner’s manual if you have a stage or two stages. Also indicate the type of lubricant to use.
If there was fuel left from the previous year, you will need to siphon it off, and fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline. It does not hurt to add methanol in the fuel, once or twice a season, to avoid accumulation of condensation in the tank, or icing in the carburator.