Winter has arrived, and that driveway isn’t going to clear itself. While snow blowers are powerful machines, they aren’t magical tanks that can handle abuse without consequence. If you live in an area prone to heavy snowfall, knowing how to operate your machine efficiently saves you time, back pain, and expensive repair bills.
We’ve compiled 15 essential snow blowing tips to help you clear the white stuff safely and effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Clear snow frequently while it is fresh rather than waiting for the storm to stop.
- Plan your pattern to throw snow downwind and avoid clearing the same area twice.
- Use fresh, stabilized fuel and synthetic oil to ensure reliable starting in freezing temps.
- Never use your hands to clear a clog; always shut off the engine and use a clean-out tool.
Snow Blowing Tips
Snow blowers seem straightforward, but improper use is the fastest way to break a shear pin or injure yourself. Thousands of snow blower-related injuries occur annually in the US, with hand injuries from clearing blockages topping the list.
Here are 15 tips to keep your machine running and your driveway clear.
1. Don’t Wait for the Snow To Stop
Procrastination makes snow removal significantly harder. If you wait until the storm ends, you might face 2 or 3 feet of heavy, compacted snow that puts extreme strain on your engine.
To avoid clogging and maximize throwing distance, clear the snow when it is only a few inches deep. You might have to go out twice, but it is faster, easier on the machine, and results in a cleaner driveway.
2. Throw the Snow Far
Adjust your chute deflection to get the snow as far away from the pavement as possible on the first pass. If you only throw it halfway, you will likely have to move that same pile of snow again on your next pass.
Moving the same snow twice doubles the workload and increases the likelihood of the machine clogging.
3. Plan Your Pattern
Don’t just walk back and forth randomly. Develop a strategy based on the layout of your driveway. For rectangular driveways, a circular pattern often works best; start in the middle and work your way out in a spiral so you never have to adjust the chute.
If you are worried about obstacles hidden under the snow, mark the edges of your driveway before winter hits. If the ground is already frozen, grab a cordless drill with a masonry bit to create pilot holes for your markers.
4. Work With the Wind
Fighting the wind is a losing battle that leaves you covered in powder. Always point your chute downwind.
Start by clearing the upwind side of the driveway first. As you move across, the wind will carry the snow further away from your clean surface rather than blowing it back into your face or onto the area you just cleared.
5. Adjust for Gravel
If you have a gravel driveway, you must adjust your skid shoes. These are the metal plates on the side of the auger housing that control how high the scraper bar sits off the ground.
Lower the skid shoes to raise the auger housing about an inch. This prevents the machine from picking up rocks and turning them into high-velocity projectiles that can smash windows or strip paint off your car.
6. Clear the Area First
Before the first flake falls, survey your property. Remove garden hoses, extension cords, dog toys, and doormats.
These items become invisible under a layer of snow. If your auger catches a garden hose, it will wrap around the shaft instantly, likely destroying the hose and potentially damaging the snow blower’s gear case.
7. Watch Out for Newspapers
The morning paper buried in the snow is a snow blower’s worst nightmare. The paper turns into a wet, concrete-like pulp that jams the impeller and auger almost instantly.
This often leads to snapped shear pins or burnt-out drive belts. If you suspect a newspaper is hidden in the drift, use a shovel for that specific spot. If you do suck one up, shut the engine off immediately before trying to clear it.
Top Tip
8. Take Smaller Bites
When the snow is wet, heavy, or exceptionally deep, don’t force the machine to take a full width of snow. Overloading the intake causes the engine to bog down and the chute to clog.
Instead, take partial passes (overlapping your previous line by half). This reduces the volume of snow entering the housing, allowing the impeller to maintain high speed and throw the snow further.
9. Use Ethanol-Free Fuel
Standard pump gas contains ethanol, which attracts moisture and separates over time. This phase separation is the number one killer of small engines.
If possible, buy canned, ethanol-free fuel (like TruFuel) or find a gas station that sells premium ethanol-free gas. This ensures easier starting and prevents the carburetor from gumming up during storage.
10. Cool Down Before Refueling
If you run dry in the middle of a job, do not pour fresh gas into a sizzling hot engine. Spilled fuel on a hot muffler can ignite instantly.
Wait at least 10 minutes for the engine to cool down. Use this time to go inside, warm up your hands, and grab a coffee. It is much better to take a break than to risk a fire.
11. Use Fuel Stabilizer
If you use standard pump gas, you must add a fuel stabilizer immediately after buying it. Add it to your jerry can, not just the snow blower tank, so the fuel is treated before it ever hits the engine.
Stabilizer slows down the degradation of gasoline, keeping it fresh for the duration of the winter season.
12. Switch to Synthetic Oil
Conventional oil thickens in sub-zero temperatures, turning into molasses. This creates drag on the engine, making it incredibly hard to pull-start.
Synthetic oil maintains its viscosity in extreme cold. This allows the engine to spin faster when you pull the cord, resulting in easier starts and better protection for internal components.
13. Perform Pre-Season Maintenance
Don’t wait for the first blizzard to check your machine. A pre-season tune-up ensures you aren’t left shoveling by hand.
Run through this quick checklist before winter arrives:
- Check the tire pressure (low tires cause the machine to pull to one side).
- Inspect the scrape bar and skid shoes for wear.
- Tighten all nuts and bolts, as vibration loosens them over time.
- Check the shear pins to ensure they aren’t rusted in place.
- Change the oil and install a new spark plug.
14. Stock Up on Shear Pins
Shear pins are designed to break. They connect the auger to the drive shaft and are meant to snap if you hit a rock or curb, protecting the expensive gears inside the engine.
When a pin breaks, the auger stops turning. Keep at least four spare shear pins and cotter pins in your garage. If you break one during a storm and don’t have a spare, your snow blower is useless.
15. Spray the Chute
Wet snow loves to stick to the metal inside your discharge chute and auger housing. Once a little snow sticks, it builds up rapidly until the chute is completely blocked.
Prevent this by spraying the inside of the chute and housing with a non-stick spray. You can use a specialized snow blower polymer spray, a ceramic spray, or even cooking spray in a pinch. This helps the snow slide out effortlessly and prevents clogs.
Snow Blower Safety
Operating heavy machinery on slippery surfaces requires focus. Keep these safety protocols in mind.
Avoid Loose Clothing
Scarves, long coats, and baggy pants are a major hazard. If loose fabric catches in the spinning auger, it will pull you in faster than you can react. Tuck everything in or wear fitted winter gear.
Wear Boots With Traction
Slipping while wrestling a 200-pound machine is dangerous. If you fall, you lose control of the blower. Wear boots with aggressive tread or attach ice cleats (Yaktrax) to your footwear for maximum stability.
Stay Focused
It is easy to zone out during a long job. However, auto-pilot leads to accidents. constantly scan for people, pets, and obstacles.
Stay Sober
Never operate power equipment under the influence of alcohol or medication that causes drowsiness. You need sharp reflexes to react to hidden ice or sudden obstacles.
Start It Outside
Never run the engine inside a garage or shed, even with the door open. Exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, which is odorless and deadly. Always pull the machine into the driveway before starting it.
Protect Your Hearing
Gas snow blowers are loud, often exceeding 100 decibels. Prolonged exposure can cause permanent hearing damage. Wear earmuffs or heavy-duty earplugs.
Clear Kids and Pets
The auger can throw rocks and ice chunks at high speeds. Keep children and pets indoors and well away from the work area. If a bystander approaches, disengage the auger and stop the machine.
Respect the Light
As winter days shorten, you may find yourself working in the dark. If your machine doesn’t have a headlight, use a headlamp or work lights. Never operate in pitch black where you can’t see icy patches or obstacles.
FAQs
What Time of Morning Can You Start a Snow Blower?
Etiquette and local noise ordinances usually suggest waiting until 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM on weekends. However, if people need to get to work, 6:00 AM is often tolerated during heavy storms. If you must clear snow very early, consider using an electric snow blower, as they are significantly quieter than gas models.
Can You Snow Blow Frozen Snow?
You can, but it requires a two-stage or three-stage gas snow blower with serrated steel augers designed to cut through ice. Single-stage blowers with rubber paddles will struggle and wear out quickly on frozen, icy drifts. If the snow is a solid block of ice, you may need to break it up with a shovel first.
How Low Should a Snow Blower Be Set?
For paved driveways, the scraper bar can be set to 1/8 inch off the ground or even flush if the surface is smooth. For gravel driveways, adjust the skid shoes to raise the auger housing 1 to 2 inches off the ground to avoid picking up rocks.
Should I Spray My Snow Blower With WD-40?
While WD-40 displaces water and can temporarily prevent snow from sticking, it isn’t the best long-term solution because it washes off quickly and can attract dirt. A dedicated silicone spray, Teflon spray, or ceramic coating/wax is much more effective at preventing clogs in the chute.
Which Is Better: A Single-Stage or Two-Stage Snow Blower?
It depends on your climate. Single-stage blowers are lightweight, cheaper, and great for paved driveways with light snowfall (under 8 inches). Two-stage blowers are self-propelled, powerful, and essential for gravel driveways, wet heavy snow, and accumulations over 8 inches.
What Should I Do If the Chute Clogs?
If your chute clogs, stop immediately and turn off the engine. Wait for all moving parts to stop completely. Never use your hands to clear the blockage. Use the clean-out tool attached to the machine or a broom handle to dislodge the compacted snow.
It’s Snow Joke
Snow blowing can be satisfying when everything works smoothly, but it requires respect for the machine and the conditions. By prepping your gear, using the right techniques, and staying safe, you can clear your property without the headache.
Remember to stock up on shear pins and fresh fuel before the sky turns grey. Stay warm out there.
