Snow Blower Maintenance Tip - ConsumerReports

Don't let caked-on ice slow your snow blower

Clear the blades and chute of snow before stowing your snow blower

A little bit of snow left around the auger and snow-blower chute might not be a concern even if you store your snow blower in an unheated garage or shed. But if packed-in snow freezes into a block, you’ll need to chip it out before you can run the snow blower again.





Your better bet: Remove the excess before it freezes. First, run the auger out of snow for several seconds to shake off what you can. Then shut it off. You can use a windshield scraper for breaking off anything caked on though the chute-clearance tool that comes with many models works just as well. If you happen to have one, an air compressor with an air-gun attachment works wonders for this purpose. Be sure to clear excess snow from the chute as well as the auger and, with a two-stage model, the impeller in back.

Another piece of advice relates to salt from the snow municipal plows leave at the end of driveways. Once temperatures rise enough that ice is less of a concern, turn on your outside water, connect a hose and water down the chute and auger box. (Be sure to let it dry before stowing.) If you store your snow blower without rinsing it off, the salt can promote rust.

















click here for the rest of the story from - ConsumerReports

Neal Paskvan is a full time Realtor specializing in Downers grove, Darien,Woodridge, Westmont and Du page county Real Estate