Winter to Spring: How to Clean and Inspect Your Snow Blower Before Storing

When the Season Changes, Don’t Park It Just Yet

As the last snowfalls taper off in Calgary and the days start getting longer, it’s tempting to shove your snow blower into the shed and focus on spring yard prep. But if you skip proper cleaning and inspection, you’re setting yourself up for frustration next winter. A few easy steps now will keep your equipment running smooth and ready when the first flakes hit again.

At Arns Equipment, our service team sees the same pattern every fall — machines that were parked dirty, full of stale gas, or with worn parts that could’ve been replaced months ago. Let’s walk through what our Calgary technicians recommend before you store yours.

 

1. Clear Out the Fuel and Prep the Engine

Fuel left sitting over the summer goes stale fast, especially with ethanol blends common in Alberta. Run the snow blower until the tank is empty, or add a quality fuel stabilizer like STIHL MotoMix, available at Arns.

Run the engine for a few minutes to cycle treated fuel through the carburetor, then shut it off. This prevents varnish buildup and clogged jets. For electric or battery-powered models like EGO Power+, remove the battery and store it inside at room temperature.

 

2. Clean Off Salt, Slush, and Grime

Road salt, gravel dust, and slush can corrode steel parts fast. Hose the blower down, including under the chute and inside the auger housing. Dry it completely, then apply a light coat of WD-40 Specialist Corrosion Inhibitor or a silicone spray to prevent rust.

Wipe down the handles, cables, and control levers too — moisture tends to hide in those spots after a Calgary melt.

 

3. Inspect Key Wear Parts

Before storage, take a few minutes to check the following:

  • Scraper bar and skid shoes: If they’re worn thin or uneven, replace them now.

  • Drive and auger belts: Look for cracks or fraying. We stock OEM Toro and Cub Cadet belts so you’re not hunting for replacements in October.

  • Shear pins: Replace any bent or missing ones.

Doing this now means your snow blower will be ready when the first flurries surprise Calgary in November.