Home › Snow Blower Storage

Snow Blower Storage

Fuel

Stale fuel is a common cause of hard starting. Follow the manual: some makers recommend adding stabiliser and running the engine to distribute it, others recommend running the tank dry.

Oil and cleaning

Change oil, clean salt and dirt off the housing, and dry the machine. Touch up chipped paint to prevent rust.

Batteries

Take the packs out and keep them inside the house at whatever charge the manual specifies, clear of heaters and damp. Keep the charger dry.

Where to store

A dry garage or shed is ideal. Avoid storing near heaters or open flames. Cover with a breathable cover.

Pre-season next year

Use the maintenance checklist before the first storm.

Why storage matters

Most snow blower problems at the first storm trace back to how the machine spent the summer. Fuel left in a carburettor can turn to varnish and block jets. Moisture rusts housings and electrical connectors. Mice nest in warm, dry engine compartments and chew wiring. A half hour of preparation in spring prevents most of these problems.

Fuel options in detail

Owners generally follow one of two approaches, depending on the manual. One is to fill the tank with fresh fuel treated with stabiliser and run the engine for several minutes so treated fuel reaches the carburettor. The other is to run the engine until it stops from lack of fuel, leaving the system dry. Some manuals also recommend draining the carburettor bowl. Do not mix approaches without guidance.

Cleaning thoroughly

Road salt and grit are corrosive. Rinse the housing and chute with plain water if the manual allows, dry everything thoroughly, and wipe a light coat of protectant on bare metal if recommended. Clean dirt from the engine fins and around the muffler. For battery and corded models, wipe down without soaking and keep water away from motor vents and electrical parts.

Lubrication

Many two-stage machines have grease points on the auger shaft and chute gears. Lubricating them before storage displaces moisture and keeps parts moving freely next season. Use only the lubricants and points listed in the manual.

Tyres and belts

Inflate tyres to the sidewall rating so they do not flat-spot. Some owners loosen belt tension for storage if the manual recommends it. Note anything worn so you can order parts in summer, when they are easier to find.

Pests and covers

Close the garage or shed so rodents cannot enter, and consider deterrents near the machine. A breathable fabric cover keeps dust off while letting moisture escape; avoid tight plastic sheeting that traps condensation.

Storing in small spaces

Some machines have folding handles to shorten their footprint. Lightweight electric units can hang on sturdy wall hooks. If storing outdoors under a lean-to, raise the machine off the ground on boards and cover it carefully.

Storing corded models

Coil the extension cord loosely, inspect it for nicks, and keep it inside away from sharp tools. Store the machine dry.

Record keeping

Note the date, what you did, and any parts to order. Next autumn you will know exactly where to start.

End-of-season steps

For gas machines, either run the tank dry or fill it with stabilised fuel and run the engine long enough to move the treated fuel into the carburettor. Change the oil, remove the spark plug and add a little oil to the cylinder if the manual recommends it, and clean off salt and debris. Lubricate moving parts and cover the machine with a breathable cover.

Battery storage

Remove packs and store them indoors at a moderate temperature, partly charged as the maker recommends. Avoid hot attics and freezing sheds.

Where to store

Store gas machines away from furnaces, water heaters and other ignition sources, in a ventilated area. Keep the machine off bare concrete or on a mat to limit moisture.

Pre-season wake-up

Before the first storm, check oil, fit fresh fuel, test start and inspect belts and shear pins.

Rodents and pests

Mice nest in engines and chew wires during summer storage. Keep the area tidy and check before the first start.

Summer space-saving

Fold handles, remove packs and store upright only if the manual allows.

Fuel disposal

If you drain old fuel, take it to a household hazardous waste site rather than pouring it out. Never store fuel in unapproved containers. Label cans with the date filled so you know which fuel is fresh.

Keeping it ready

Leave the machine facing out of the garage so it is easy to roll out on a snowy morning.

Mid-season storage

Between storms, wipe off snow, let the machine dry, top up fuel and keep it parked on a mat. Charge battery packs indoors so the machine is always ready. Check that the chute and auger are free of ice before each start. Close the fuel valve on gas machines if the manual recommends it.

Covering outdoor machines

If no indoor space exists, use a fitted breathable cover and raise the machine off the ground on boards. Check under the cover after storms for drifting snow, and remove packs from battery models entirely. Outdoor storage shortens life, so bring the machine indoors when you can.

Worked example

Illustrative examples (2026-10-29), not quotes or guarantees.

End of March: stabiliser added, engine run five minutes, oil changed, housing washed and dried, paint touched up, cover on. Battery machine: packs removed and stored indoors at the recommended charge.

FAQ

Should I drain fuel?

Follow your manual.

Can I store batteries in the garage?

Follow the maker's temperature guidance.

Does it need a cover?

A breathable cover helps.

Related: Maintenance · Lifespan