Off-Season Snow Plow Maintenance
Most of the following tasks are inexpensive, simple, and have a big effect on the longevity of your plow.
Wash and dry well
First things first, give your plow a thorough washing to remove all salt and grit build up before storage to reduce corrosion.
- Don’t neglect your vehicle’s undercarriage
- Be sure to clean salt spreaders as well
- Allow your plow to air dry for a few days before storage
Touch Up Paint
After washing and drying, look for nicks/chips/scratches in your paint or powder coating.
- Touch up problem spots with vehicle paint or manufacturer specified touch up paint
- Don’t just paint over rust. If rust has started to form, use a grinder or rotary tool to remove rust before touching up
Plow blade
Inspect plow blades for wear and damage.
- Replace if wear is severe
- Apply mineral oil if you have a stainless steel blade
Top off Hydraulic Fluid
- Refill hydraulic fluid to eliminate air pockets where condensation can form
Grease Electrical Connections
Protect electrical connections to reduce corrosion, shorts, and arcs when you fire your plow back up.
- Clean off dirt and dust buildup
- Apply dielectric grease to each electrical connection point
Grease Pivot Points
Keeping pivot points lubricated during the off season prevents locking
- Lubricate all pivot points (hinges, springs, and pins)
Pistons
- Fully extend all piston rods and lubricate
- Fully compress the pistons and slide them as far into the ram as possible to protect from corrosion
- Make sure any exposed portion is coated in grease before storage
Hold Off On Oil Changes
According to the Snow and Ice Management Association, internal engine components will stay plenty lubricated during your plow’s dormant months.
- Oil changes can wait until you are getting ready to fire your plow back up again in the fall.
Shelter
Make sure you find appropriate shelter for your plow for the summer months.
- Keep away from moisture, sun exposure, and temperature extremes (all of which can take a toll on electronics, paint/powder coatings, hoses, fittings, etc.)
- Best to store on gravel or concrete instead of dirt
- Clear away nearby dirt or other debris that can contribute to corrosion and rust
- You can also store on top of pallets or 2x4s to elevate off the ground
- Store away from leftover deicer product stockpiles.
- Don’t tarp it (tarps trap moisture and heat and offer little to no ventilation)
- If you do not have access to indoor storage and need to use a cover for dust and sun protection, make sure the cover allows for some breathability and doesn’t trap moisture and heat
Vehicle Maintenance
Make sure trucks and vehicles also get a thorough once over before going dormant over the summer. Take on mechanical inspections and repairs as your skill sets allow. Some mechanical shops offer affordable tune ups that can help you identify problems before they become too expensive.
Mechanical Truck Inspection
- Clean and tighten fasteners on plow and vehicle mount
- Check welds for cracks
- Test battery health
- Check heater and blower motor
- Relax springs according to manufacturer’s specifications
- Light check (clean lights and replace bulbs)
- Check fluid levels and inspect for leaks
- Check tires (replace, align, balance, and rotate tires as necessary)
- Check all belts, hoses, and fittings
- You know your vehicle(s) better than anyone...keep a close eye on any other chronic problem areas
Restock Emergency Vehicle Kit
Later in the summer, ensure your vehicle’s emergency kit is fully stocked and ready to go. Here is a list of items to consider:
- Spare hoses, solenoids, fuses, springs, bolts, etc.
- Extra hydraulic and engine fluids
- Emergency lighting (safety strobes, flares, reflectors, etc.)
- Tow strap
- Sturdy snow shovel
- Emergency winter clothing/gear (gloves, socks, hats, etc.)
- Emergency food and water rations
- Air activated heat packs
- Snow chains
- First aid kit
- Ice melt to help clear and improve traction around tires
Ice Slicer®
Ice Slicer® is grateful to all the hard working snow fighters...the first, first responders.
We are proud to partner with and support snow fighting organizations across the country and even around the world. Ice Slicer® knows that having the best tools at your disposal gives snow fighting teams an advantage over winter weather. Snow crews prefer the natural high performance of Ice Slicer® because it helps them get the job done!
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