Ten Tips for Tuning Up Your Snow Blower

With winter well on its way, now is the time to tune up your snow blower to ensure it is opportune condition, if you have not done so already. The following ten tips will help you keep your machine up and running for the snowy season.

The first seven items on the checklist will need to be done with the cover off of the snow blower.

One: Check your belts. Take the belt cover off to do a thorough check on your belts. Make sure they are securely in place and in good condition. If there is any wear or tear, or cracking on the belt, you need to replace it. If it is loose, tighten it if you can, and if it is misshapen and will not hold properly, get rid of it and get a new one in there.

Two: With the snow blower cover off, check the pulley to make sure it is secure and taut.

Three: While the cover is open, you might as well check the bearings for wear and tear as well, and replace as needed.

Four: If you have a four-cycle engine, check the filter. If it is old or excessively dirty, replace it. It is expensive to do so, and it will make a world of difference in the way your machine is running.

Five: Also, if you have a four-cycle engine, replace that oil before breaking the machine out for use this Winter. Old oil can make your machine run sluggish.

Six: Replace the spark plug every few seasons to keep machine working at optimum.

Seven: Wipe down your cooling fins to remove debris and build-up.

Once you have finished checking the above items under the cover, put your cover back on, making sure you have all bolts and screws in tightly, and check the following:

Eight: Tip the snow blower onto one side and look at the scraping bar. If it is wearing down, replace it to avoid long-term damage to the machine.

Nine: Check the visible rubber and replace that as well, if it is worn, cracked, or torn.

Ten: Get rid of any old gas you have in your machine before you use it for the first time each season. Old gas gets stale and can diminish the performance you get out of your machine.

Remember too, to keep your machine stored in a safe, dry spot during any season. By taking the time out to keep your snow blower properly maintained and in good working order, you will increase the chances that it will continue to perform well for you through winter's entirety.