When the last snow of the season melts away, your snow blower suddenly becomes the most awkward object in your garage. It’s bulky, it smells faintly of gasoline, and it won’t earn its keep again for at least six months. But how you store your snow blower over the summer directly affects how well it starts next winter — and whether you’re facing a $30 tune-up or a $300 carburetor repair when the first storm hits. Here’s a complete guide to snow blower summer storage, from fuel prep to finding the right spot to park it.
Why Summer Storage Matters for Snow Blowers
The number one killer of snow blowers isn’t heavy use — it’s neglect during the off-season. Gasoline left sitting in the tank breaks down in as little as 30 days, forming gummy deposits that clog the carburetor. Moisture creeps into unprotected metal parts and causes rust. Rubber components like belts and paddles dry out and crack when exposed to heat and sun. A snow blower that’s stored properly can last 15 to 20 years. One that’s left outside under a tarp with fuel in the tank might not survive three seasons.
Step 1: Deal With the Fuel First
Before your snow blower goes into storage, you have two options for handling the fuel system:
Option A: Run it dry. Add fuel stabilizer to the tank, run the engine for 10 minutes to circulate treated fuel through the carburetor, then shut it off and drain the tank. Restart the engine and let it run until it stalls, burning off what’s left in the fuel lines.
Option B: Store it with stabilized fuel. Fill the tank with fresh gas mixed with a quality fuel stabilizer, then run the engine for several minutes. A full tank leaves less room for condensation to form.
Most small-engine mechanics recommend Option A for storage periods longer than three months. Ethanol-blended fuel is especially prone to attracting moisture and degrading, so never leave untreated E10 gas sitting all summer.
Step 2: Clean and Inspect the Machine
Salt, grit, and moisture are corrosive, so give your snow blower a thorough cleaning before storage:
- Wipe down the auger housing, chute, and body to remove salt residue.
- Dry every surface completely to prevent rust.
- Inspect the auger paddles, scraper bar, and shave plate for wear — replacing them now means you’re ready on day one next season.
- Check belts for cracks or fraying.
- Tighten any loose bolts, nuts, and fasteners.
Step 3: Lubricate and Protect
Apply a light coat of oil or silicone spray to exposed metal surfaces, including the auger shaft and chute mechanism. Lubricate all grease fittings according to your owner’s manual. If your model has a four-stroke engine, this is also the ideal time for an oil change — old oil contains acids and contaminants that shouldn’t sit in the engine for months.
Remove the spark plug, pour a teaspoon of engine oil into the cylinder, and pull the starter cord slowly a few times to coat the cylinder walls. Reinstall the plug but leave the wire disconnected as a safety measure.
Step 4: Choose the Right Storage Location
Where you park your snow blower for the summer matters just as much as how you prep it.
The ideal storage spot is:
- Dry — humidity is the enemy of metal parts and electrical components.
- Shaded — direct sunlight degrades rubber, plastic, and paint.
- Ventilated — enclosed spaces with no airflow trap moisture
- Off the ground — concrete floors wick moisture; a pallet or mat helps.
A garage works, but many homeowners find their garage space is too valuable in summer to sacrifice to a machine they won’t touch until December. That’s where dedicated outdoor storage earns its place. A weather-resistant garden shed from Keter offers a dry, UV-protected home for seasonal equipment, keeping your snow blower out of the elements without eating up garage square footage you’d rather use for bikes, tools, and summer gear.
Whatever structure you choose, avoid storing the machine directly under an outdoor tarp. Tarps trap condensation against the machine and accelerate rust — the opposite of what you want.
Step 5: Cover It (the Right Way)
Inside a shed or garage, a breathable fitted cover adds a second layer of protection against dust and stray moisture. Look for covers made from breathable fabric rather than plastic sheeting, which can sweat.
Come November, your future self will thank you. A properly stored snow blower typically starts within one or two pulls, while a neglected one often needs professional service right when repair shops are slammed with the seasonal rush.
Spend an afternoon on storage prep now, give your machine a dry, shaded home for the summer, and the first snowfall of the season becomes something to look forward to—not a reason to panic.
Leave a Reply