When the last snowflake melts and your driveway reappears, it’s tempting to shove your snow blower to the back of the garage and forget about it. But proper snow blower summer storage isn’t just about saving space—it’s the key to making sure your machine fires up quickly and runs smoothly next winter!
Whether you’re storing a snow blower for summer or simply learning how to winterize snow blowers the right way, these steps will keep your gear reliable year after year.
6 Steps for Proper Snow Blower Storage
Step 1: Remove All Snow, Ice, and Debris
To properly store a snow blower, start by thoroughly cleaning it. You’d be surprised by how much damage leftover salt and debris can do to a snow blower during summer! First, carefully clean the auger, housing, and wheels. Next, wipe down the exterior to prevent rust. And finally, touch up any chipped paint to protect against corrosion.
Step 2: Empty or Stabilize the Fuel Tank
Leaving old gas in the snow blower tank is one of the fastest ways to clog your carburetor and cause starting problems next season. You have two options to take care of your snow blower’s fuel tank:
1. Run the engine until the fuel tank is completely empty.
2. Add a fuel stabilizer, then run the engine for a few minutes to circulate it through the system.
Don’t want to deal with a fuel tank at all? Shop a powerful lineup of electric snow blowers from Greenworks!
Step 3: Change the Oil
If you aren’t using a battery-powered snow blower, refreshing the oil is an important part of snow blower storage. That’s because fewer contaminants will be sitting in your engine all summer! Warm up your snow blower briefly to help the oil drain better, then replace it with the manufacturer-recommended type.
GREENWORKS TIP: Clean or replace the air filter at the same time and your blower will be ready to go at the first sign of snow next season.
Step 4: Check and Replace the Spark Plug
To protect the engine from corrosion during the summer months, pull the spark plug out of your snow blower, inspect it for wear or buildup, and replace it if necessary. Even if your spark plug is still good, add a few drops of oil to the cylinder and pull the starter cord a couple of times to coat the inside.
Step 5: Check Tires and Cables
Inspect for cracks, flat spots, or worn areas in the tires. This is also a great time to lubricate any moving parts (especially cables and chute controls) to keep them from seizing up.
Step 6: Put Your Snow Blower in its Proper Place
Now it’s time for the final step: storing your snow blower in a cool, dry location like a shed, garage, or storage unit. Cover it with a breathable, weather-resistant tarp to protect it from dust, pests, and moisture.
GREENWORKS TIP: In addition to never leaving your snow blower exposed to the elements, we also recommend not storing it near fertilizers and chemicals that could corrode parts.
A Final Checklist for Storing Your Snow Blower:
✔️ Fuel tank emptied or stabilized (if using a gas-powered snow blower)
✔️ Oil changed (if using a gas-powered snow blower)
✔️ Spark plug inspected or replaced
✔️ Air filter checked
✔️ Machine cleaned and dried
✔️ Lubricated and inspected
✔️ Proper storage location secured
Smartly Storing Snow Blower = Easy Starting Next Winter!
Proper snow blower summer storage means less hassle and more horsepower when winter rolls around again. Take an hour now to protect your investment—you’ll thank yourself when that first snowstorm hits!
Additional Snow Blower Resources from the Greenworks Blog:
New to snow blowing? Learn How to Use a Snow Blower.
What’s the difference between a Snow Blower vs. a Snow Thrower? Find out now!
Not sure whether to buy an electric or gas snow blower? Learn the pros and cons of each when you read about Electric vs. Gas Snow Blowers.
Written by The Green Team, a creative arm within Greenworks Tools.
Our team of writers, designers and content creators bring a breadth of experience and a touch of fun to all things tools. With an assist from the Greenworks product teams and technology experts, we’re here to provide helpful and engaging content to make your yard (and life!) beautiful.
