Prepare snowblower for season

Short answer

Each fall, change the oil, inspect the spark plug, check that the auger and impeller move freely, and run the engine on fresh stabilized gas before the first snow.

Priority: High
Difficulty: DIY
Time: 30 min
How often: Once a year
Season: Fall

Why It Matters

A snowblower that won't start on the first snowfall is a frustrating problem, easily prevented with fall prep.

Tools

Oil drain pan
Spark plug wrench
Funnel
Gap gauge (if replacing the spark plug)

Materials

Engine oil, manufacturer-specified weight
Fresh gasoline
Fuel stabilizer
Replacement spark plug (if fouled or worn)

How to Do It

Drain the old oil into a drain pan, then refill with fresh engine oil to the level marked on the dipstick or fill port.
Remove the spark plug with a spark plug wrench and inspect it. If the electrode is fouled with carbon buildup or visibly worn, replace it with a new plug gapped to the manufacturer's specification.
Turn the auger and impeller by hand to confirm they rotate freely with no binding or resistance.
Fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline and add fuel stabilizer according to the stabilizer label's mixing ratio.
Start the engine and let it run for several minutes until it idles smoothly, confirming the stabilized fuel has cycled through the system.

Clean garage interior Once a year
Store power tools inside for winter Once a year
Add fuel stabilizer and run mower for 5 minutes Once a year

Part Of

Garage Snowblower

Last updated 23 September 2026

Put this on your schedule

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