How Do I Winterize My Snow Removal Equipment?

When Edmonton winters hit, your snow removal equipment becomes your best friend. But if it’s not properly winterized, even the most reliable machines can fail when you need them most. Taking time to prepare your equipment before the first big storm ensures smoother operation, fewer breakdowns, and longer-lasting performance.

Why Winterizing Matters

Snowblowers, shovels, and ice management tools face extreme conditions during our long winters. Cold temperatures, moisture, and heavy use put stress on motors, blades, and moving parts. Winterizing keeps equipment ready for action and helps prevent costly repairs.

Steps to Winterize Your Snow Removal Equipment

1. Inspect and Clean Your Equipment

Start by giving your equipment a thorough cleaning. Remove dirt, salt, and built-up debris from moving parts. For snowblowers, check belts, augers, and paddles for signs of wear. Replace anything that looks cracked or frayed.

2. Change or Top Up Fluids

Engines need fresh oil and proper fuel stabilization before cold-weather use. Add a fuel stabilizer to prevent gas from thickening and clogging the carburetor. Check oil levels and replace if dirty.

3. Sharpen and Protect Blades

Shovel edges, snowblower augers, and ice chippers perform best when sharp. Dull blades require more effort and can damage surfaces. After sharpening, apply a light coating of rust-preventative oil to metal parts.

4. Check Tires and Skid Shoes

For snowblowers, inspect tires for proper inflation or tread wear. Skid shoes should be adjusted to protect your driveway from scratches while keeping the auger clear of gravel.

5. Store Supplies in Advance

Don’t wait for the first storm — stock up on ice melt, sand, or calcium chloride. Store them in sealed containers to keep moisture out.

6. Keep Spare Parts Handy

Nothing slows you down more than a broken belt or missing shear pin in the middle of a storm. Keeping spares in your garage ensures quick fixes when needed.

When to Start Winterizing

The best time to winterize is early to mid-October, before Edmonton’s first measurable snowfall. Preparing ahead of time saves you from scrambling when storms hit suddenly.

If you’re wondering when to prepare your property for winter, check out our post: When Should I Start Preparing for Snow Removal in Edmonton?

Final Thoughts

Winterizing your snow removal equipment is just as important as clearing the snow itself. A few simple steps — inspecting, sharpening, fueling, and stocking supplies — ensure you’re ready to take on Edmonton’s toughest winters.

For a hassle-free winter, remember Neighbourhood Heroes offers Essential Removal’s and Pristine Removal’s packages with unlimited snow clearing from November to April. That way, you can leave the heavy lifting to us and enjoy peace of mind all season long.

👉 Explore Our Snow Removal Services