Snowblower Pre-Season Maintenance Checklist for Alberta Winters

Before the first major snowfall hits the Calgary area, it’s essential to make sure your snowblower is ready to handle freezing temperatures, wet snow, and heavy drifts. A machine that hasn’t been properly maintained can fail when you need it most — and early-season tune-ups are the best way to prevent breakdowns and repair costs.

Use this practical, step-by-step pre-season checklist to ensure your snowblower is fully prepared for winter.

1. Change the Engine Oil

Cold temperatures thicken old oil, making the engine harder to start and reducing lubrication.
Before winter begins:

• Replace the oil with a 5W-30 winter-grade oil
• Warm the engine briefly to drain the oil more easily
• Change oil at least once per season or every 25 hours

This simple step dramatically improves cold starting.

2. Inspect and Replace the Spark Plug

A worn spark plug is one of the most common causes of hard starting in freezing temperatures.

Check for:

• Carbon buildup
• Damaged porcelain
• Incorrect gap

Even if the plug looks fine, replacing it yearly is an inexpensive and reliable performance booster.

3. Refresh the Fuel & Add Stabilizer

Fuel left from last winter can clog the carburetor and prevent the engine from starting.

Pre-season fuel prep:

• Empty old fuel
• Add fresh premium gas (91 octane recommended for cold climates)
• Add a fuel stabilizer
• Run the engine for 2–3 minutes to circulate treated fuel

This protects the carburetor during temperature swings.

4. Check Belts for Cracks, Wear, and Tension

Belts drive the auger and wheels and can easily break under the stress of heavy snow.

Look for:

• Cracks
• Fraying
• Stretching or looseness

Replace worn belts before the season starts to avoid mid-storm failure.

5. Inspect the Auger & Shear Pins

Auger Inspection

Make sure the auger spins freely and has no bent or damaged blades.

Shear Pins

Shear pins are designed to break if the auger jams on ice or debris.
Before winter:

• Ensure all shear pins are in place
• Replace any damaged or missing pins
• Keep extras on hand for mid-season emergencies

This is one of the most important pre-season checks for Alberta homeowners.

6. Examine the Scraper Bar & Skid Shoes

Scraper Bar

This bar scrapes snow from the ground.
Replace it if it’s:

• Worn thin
• Uneven
• Causing the housing to contact the pavement

Skid Shoes

These prevent the machine from scraping your driveway.
Adjust or replace them so the unit sits evenly across the surface.

7. Lubricate All Moving Parts

Cold weather thickens old grease, which can bind moving components.

Lubricate:

• Auger shaft
• Drive system components
• Chute rotation gears
• Wheels (if applicable)

Use a synthetic, cold-weather grease for best results.

8. Check the Tires or Track System

If your snowblower has pneumatic tires, cold temperatures cause PSI to drop.

• Inflate to manufacturer’s recommended pressure
• Inspect for cracks or dry rot

For track-drive units, check the tension and overall condition of each track.

9. Test Start the Machine Before the First Snowfall

Do not wait until the first snowstorm.

Test your snowblower in late fall to ensure:

• The engine starts reliably
• The auger engages
• Chute rotates smoothly
• No unusual noises occur

If something feels off, it’s far easier to address issues before peak winter hits.

10. Stock Up on Winter Essentials

Before winter gets busy, make sure you have:

• Spare shear pins
• Extra belts
• Fuel stabilizer
• Fresh oil
• Cold-weather gloves
• A cover for storing outdoors or in unheated garages

All these will reduce downtime during storms. Call 403-248-0878 or stop in to get your parts and accessories today!

Need Professional Snowblower Maintenance?

Alberta Forest & Garden offers:

✔ Seasonal tune-ups
✔ Belt replacements
✔ Carburetor cleaning
✔ Auger and drive inspections
✔ Repairs and parts
✔ Expert product recommendations

Get your snowblower maintenance with us today! For details, call 403-248-0878 or just bring your unit in at your earliest convenience for our 'first in, first served' policy!