Warren, OH -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/06/2015 -- The last snow has melted and the air is warm and grass is sprouting. It might finally be safe to set aside snow removal tools until winter rolls in next year. It will be many months until that snow thrower is called into service again and that is precisely the problem.

At the peak of summer, when it's 80 degrees and sunny, no one wants to think about what is happening to the inside of their equipment as it sits in the back of the garage or shed under a layer of dust. As a result, some questions understandably go unasked and unanswered: Was the gas emptied? How dirty was the oil when the snow stopped falling? Are the paddles worn down?

The best time to answer those questions is now, while they are least pressing. That's why Do-Cut's Power Equipment Warehouse offers some quick, helpful reminders of how not to neglect a snow thrower during the summer months:

1. Replace the spark plug. A fresh spark plug will reduce emissions, increase fuel efficiency and make starting easier. Heavily used plugs become worn & fouled and don't perform as well.
2. Remove & replace the oil. Old, dirty oil degrades, loses viscosity and thereby doesn't lubricate as well. This causes engine wear. Drain as much of the old oil as possible and replace with fresh. Consult the owner's manual to be sure you are using the correct oil.
3. Inspect wear parts. Some items are designed to wear over time and will require replacement when necessary. During milder winters, these items may remain viable for use if they have not seen much action, but check them anyway as they may be left over from the previous season. These items include scraper blades, paddles, skid shoes and belts, among others.
4. Lubricate bearings. Lubricate wheel, auger and impeller bearings.
5. Clean & degrease. Remove any excess grease and check the integrity of bearings.
6. Check tires and tubes. Make sure the tires have not become worn or cracked and, if tubes are used, that they will hold pressure.
7. Stabilize fresh fuel. Keep recently added fuel fresh by adding stabilizers. This will extend the life and quality of fuel so that it doesn't cause carburetors to corrode or clog, making starting easier and the need for repairs less likely.
8. Store in a cool, dry place. Cover the unit to prevent dust accumulation and place somewhere out of harm's way, preferably a dry are out of the sun.

About Power Equipment Warehouse
Power Equipment Warehouse and its affiliates are family owned and operated since 1947. Brands of power equipment supplies sold include: Toro, Husqvarna, Honda, Little Wonder, Mantis, MTD, JRCO, Ryan, Brown, Bluebird, Trac-Vac, Trimmertrap, Jungle Jims, Velke and many, many more. Power Equipment Warehouse is the trusted name in the outdoor power equipment industry.