When the snow melts and spring is in its bloom, it is time to put your snowblower away for the summer.
There would be no need for it until winter arrives again. However, this does not mean that you can just forget about it. Unless you know how to winterize a snowblower, chances are that you will face trouble trying to start the device.
So, today, I'll tell you how to prepare this power tool for storage.
Begin by draining the fuel tank - it is crucial to ensure that once winter is over, there is no extra fuel sitting in the tank. Unless you do that right after summer, the stale fuel will block the system and prevent it from starting.
Stale fuel accompanied by the fuel stabilizer often turns into gunk and clogs the injectors, carburettor, and fuel lines. And eventually, you might have to replace the line with a new one unless cleaned.
So, empty the tank by the end of winter, and you'll be able to save yourself a lot of trouble.
Sometimes draining the fuel from the tank can become challenging. In such situations, you would require a fuel stabilizer.
The stabilizer works to minimize damage to the tank that might happen because of excess water and ethanol reaching it. This is what helps prevent the fuel from going stale and becoming gunky.
If you are not sure how much stabilizer to use, simply read the instructions on the bottle. Just keep in mind that a fuel stabilizer can act as a savior, but there's nothing better than draining the tank of fuel during summer.
Once you are done taking care of the fuel tank, it is now time to pay some attention to the engine. When a snowblower is not in use, it is better to seal its engine to protect it against moisture. Use a wrench to unscrew the spark plug and then remove it.
After that, pour some motor oil into the combustion chamber and make sure to pull the starter cord a few times. This will help the oil spread evenly, and that will seal the engine well.
If you see any damage to the spark plug, I recommend getting it replaced with a new one. It is advisable that even if there's no damage, you replace the plug after 100 hours of use or once every season.
Like any other device, for your snowblower to work perfectly, it is necessary that you keep it clean. Get your hands on a mild soap and use a soft cloth to give the exterior of the snowblower a gentle wash. This helps remove unwanted salt from the surface. If unwashed, the salt remains, eventually leading to corrosion and paint chipping.
The mild soap cleansing will remove oil stains, salt traces, and unwanted dust from the machine's surface. Once you are done doing that, leave the snowblower to dry for a while. If you want to go a step extra, you can even use a rust-prevention spray.
After you are done draining the fuel, protecting the engine, and giving the snowblower a mild wash, cover it. The machine will collect moisture and dirt over time, and all your effort will go in vain if you skip this step.
Most of the snowblowers come with a cover. However, if your's doesn’t have one, you can always purchase a cover from the local supermarket or any reliable online store. The cover will not only prevent dust and moisture from accumulating but will also protect the snowblower from scratches.
The best place to store your snowblower is the garage. That will keep the power tool dry and protect it from weather damage.
That's all I have for you today.
I hope that after reading this guide, storing your snowblower properly during the summer months will no longer be a problem. When putting it away in your garage, I recommend that you always keep it on a mat to keep the undercarriage dry and prevent the floors from getting damaged.
A little effort will keep your snowblower up and running for a long time. To read more about snowblowers and how to take care of them, do not forget to keep a watch on this space.
Until next time, take care!
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