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October
14
14
Prepare Your Snow Blower for Winter: Essential Tips for Homeowners
As the weather turns colder, it's time to start thinking about the coming snow. It's important to begin preparations now before it starts so you're not caught unawares. That's why October 15-21 is National Snow Blower Maintenance Week, so you can be sure yours is in good working order, ready to clear off the driveways and walkways of Bergen County homes for sale. Here's what you need to do.
- Fuel. Drain fuel from your blower at the end of each snowy season, or add a fuel stabilizer. If the fuel is allowed to sit around all year, it can deteriorate, becoming unusable and damaging the blower. If you drained the fuel, it's time to put more in. If you didn't drain your fuel, drain it before turning the blower on. Then, fill the tank and add a fuel stabilizer from your local gas station or home improvement store to keep your snow blower running through the winter.
- Oil. If you have an older, single-stage snow blower, you may need to mix the oil in with the fuel for it to run. Modern, multi-stage blowers have separate oil that can be checked with a dipstick, like a car. Check the oil, but know it will probably need replacing since it's been sitting unused all year. Consult the owner's manual to see what type and grade of oil you need and how and where to add it.
- Tires. Another thing that happens when your snow blower sits idle all year is that the tires lose air. This can make it difficult to maneuver, especially around corners. If the tires have a built-in air pressure gauge, check it to see how much you have—typically, 15-20 psi is what you need. Use a tire pressure gauge if there isn't a built-in one. You can usually fill the tires using a standard bike pump.
- Inspection. Look at the various components of the snow blower to see if they're still in working order or if they're wearing out and need replacing. Look at the shear pins to see if they're corroded. Check the belt, too, and the auger paddles, for signs of wear. If anything looks like it's failing, get replacement parts at your local home improvement store—or bring it to a professional to make the necessary repairs. Finally, turn the blower on to see how it runs. If you notice any unsettling sounds or smells, bring it in for repairs now so it's ready when the snow starts.
- Upgrade. With proper care and maintenance, a good quality snow blower can last 20 years or more. A mid-priced blower will last 10 or so. But if you have an older model, or it's been giving you more and more problems in recent years, then it might be time to upgrade to a new blower. By getting one that's more fuel-efficient or electric rather than gas-powered, you can do the job better and more efficiently while spending less money and energy. Likewise, if you have a single-stage blower, upgrading to a two-stage model that can handle heavier snowfall might be prudent.
With a little preparation and maintenance, your snow blower will be working and ready to keep your driveway and walkway clear throughout the New Jersey winter. Contact us if you're ready to make Bergen County your new home. Our real estate agents will help you find a house you'll love in a neighborhood that meets your needs.
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