The Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a snowy winter this year, folks! That means that if you have a snow blower, it’s a good idea to get it out and make sure it’s in great working order before the snow hits. Here are some easy steps you can take while it’s still warm outside to prepare your snowblower for winter and ensure that it will truly be your best friend after the first snowfall:

1. Fresh oil and gasoline.

Start by changing your oil and adding fresh gas. It’s a good idea to change your oil once a year, so if you didn’t do it in the spring, do it before the winter season. And top off your gas so that it’ll be a while before you have to refill.

2. Add fuel stabilizer.

Add a fuel stabilizer, such as our DR Ethanol Fuel Treatment, to your gas. In the cold temperatures, the stabilizer will neutralize the negative effects that the ethanol in your gas can have on the engine.

3. Give it a good once-over.

Check your auger, top discharge chute, and cutter bar to make sure they’re in good working order. Look for anything stuck in the auger that might keep it from turning.

4. Put it somewhere accessible.

This is the most important thing you can do to get your snow blower ready for winter! Before the first big snow, either place your snowblower where you can access it from your house, or be sure you have a shovel ready to get you from your house to the barn or garage. There’s nothing worse than having to “swim” through the snow to get to the barn because you didn’t leave your shovel or snowblower right by the door!