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Getting Your Gas-Powered Snow Blower Ready For Winter

Winter Weather Ahead

If you live in a cold climate, you know it’s just a matter of time until you get hit with snow. When the snow is piling up and you need to clear your driveway, you need your gas-powered snow blower to start on the first pull. Ensure that your snowblower can handle whatever Mother Nature dishes out by taking time to perform routine maintenance before the snowflakes start to fall.

Man snow blowing driveway

What Maintenance Does a Snow Blower Need?

From that first snow to the inevitable late-season snowstorm, you count on your snow blower all season long. Maintaining your machine ensures that you catch little issues before they become a problem that leaves you reaching for a shovel to clear your driveway. Make these simple steps part of your snow blower maintenance routine:

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Change the Spark Plug

Designed to create the spark that ignites the fuel, a properly working spark plug is key to your snow blower starting. Check the spark plug once a year to ensure that it is free of any carbon buildup or damage. 

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Examine the Belts

Inspect and replace any belt that has cracks or shows signs of excessive wear and tear. If you have to change a belt, take a picture of it so you know where to put the replacement part.

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Change the Oil

Old oil can lose the ability to protect your snow blower’s engine. Change the oil once a year and check the oil level regularly during the season so you’re aware if the engine begins to use an excessive amount of oil.

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Fresh Gas with Stabilizer

Your snow blower needs fresh gas to run efficiently. Add fuel stabilizer to help prevent clogs and keep the gas fresh longer. At the end of the season, be sure to run out the old gas.

How to Change a Snow Blower Spark Plug

Replacing the spark plug on a snow blower is an easy task for the DIYer. Before starting, make sure that the engine is cool.

Step 1 – Locate Spark Plug

At the back of the snow blower, look for the spark plug boot – an L-shaped cap with an electrical cable coming from it; it could also be located under a panel that you’ll need to remove. (Consult your owner’s manual for the spark plug location for your specific machine.)

Step 2 – Remove Spark Plug Wire

Pull the wire gently from the spark plug with your fingers.

Step 3 – Remove Spark Plug

Using a socket wrench, remove the spark plug by turning counterclockwise to remove.

Step 4 – Determine if Spark Plug Needs to be Replaced

Examine the plug for signs of carbon buildup, cracks, or other damage. Learn how to read your spark plug to determine if it needs to be changed.

Step 5 – Select New Spark Plug

Use Champion’s Part Finder to get the right spark plug for your snow blower.

Step 6 – Install New Spark Plug

Thread the new spark plug by hand and tighten with a socket wrench. Replace the spark plug wire.


Learn more about quality spark plugs, and find your part today.

The content in this article is for informational purposes only. You should consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have questions relating to any of the topics covered herein. Tenneco will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.

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