Snow Removal Services
A snow blower is a significant investment for an Ontario homeowner. With proper seasonal maintenance, a quality machine lasts 10-15+ years. Neglect it, and you'll be debugging a non-starting machine during the first major storm of the year.
Pre-season maintenance checklist: change the engine oil (use the grade specified in your manual — typically SAE 5W-30 for cold weather). Replace the spark plug. Check and tighten all bolts. Inspect and lubricate the auger and impeller bearings. Check and adjust auger belts and skid shoes.
Winter Preparedness Tips
Fuel is the most common snow blower problem. Ethanol-blended gasoline (the standard at most Ontario gas stations) degrades in as little as 30 days, causing gumming that blocks carburetors. Use fresh fuel each season, add a fuel stabilizer if storing for more than 30 days, and run the carb dry before storage.
Shear bolts: single-stage and two-stage snow blowers use shear bolts in the auger assembly that are designed to break if the auger hits a solid object, protecting the engine. Keep a supply of the correct replacement shear bolts and know how to replace them — it takes 5 minutes with the right parts on hand.
D&D Snow Services Coverage
Tire inflation: under-inflated tires on wheeled snow blowers reduce traction significantly. Check and inflate to the specified PSI before the season. For tracked machines, check track tension per the manual.
Post-season storage: once the season ends, drain the fuel tank and run the engine until it stalls, completely emptying the fuel system. Fog the cylinder with engine storage oil. Change the oil one final time. Store in a dry location.
If your snow blower is beyond a tune-up — engine won't start, major belt replacement needed, auger damage — bring it to a small engine repair shop in September, before the seasonal rush. Shops that are empty in September are backed up 3-4 weeks in November.
For homeowners who don't want the hassle of snow blower ownership and maintenance, D&D Snow Services offers residential contracts that eliminate the equipment ownership burden entirely.
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