10. Do Pre-Season Maintenance Before the First Storm
Don’t wait until the biggest storm of the year to discover:
- A cracked belt
- A dead spark plug
- A rusted-through housing
Before winter really hits:
- Install a new spark plug (consider an iridium plug for longevity).
- Change the oil.
- Inspect belts for:
- Cracks
- Fraying
- Glazing
- Missing chunks
- Replace any suspect belts.
Then:
- Sand rusted areas and repaint.
- After paint cures, apply a high-quality car wax to painted surfaces.
- Wax the inside of the chute to help prevent snow from sticking.
Lubrication:
- Check your owner’s manual for lube points and recommended types.
- Use motor oil on metal joints, gears, and cables.
- Use dry PTFE lube on plastic parts (knobs, gears, chute controls).
- Spray auger, impeller, and chute with silicone spray to reduce sticking and clogs.
Continue reading on the next page 👇
