Snow blower problems in Canada are more common than most Ontario homeowners expect, especially when the first real snowfall hits.
One morning your machine starts just fine. The next morning? Nothing. No cough, no sputter. Just pure silence in a cold garage while snow keeps piling up outside.
Ontario winters do not play around.
Heavy wet snow, unpredictable freeze thaw cycles, and temperatures that nosedive overnight put serious stress on your snow blower every single season.
The four (4) most common culprits are fuel system failure, broken shear pins, worn belts, and clogged chutes. Any one of them can leave your driveway buried and your whole morning thrown off.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through each problem in plain language; No technical jargon. Just honest, straightforward information so you know exactly what is going on and what to do about it.
Rather skip the headache altogether?
Custodia professional Snow Removal Services takes care of everything for Ontario homeowners, professionally, reliably, and affordably.
What Are the Most Common Snow Blower Problems in Canada That Ontario Homeowners Face?
Ontario winters are tough on equipment. Snowfall averages, icy driveways, and constant freeze thaw swings push snow blowers to their absolute limit. Most homeowners run into the same four problems every single season.
The four most common snow blower problems in Canada are:
- Fuel system failure: Stale gas and gummed up carburetors are the number one reason snow blowers refuse to start in Ontario.
- Broken shear pins: Ontario driveways hide rocks, ice chunks, and debris under snow. Your shear pins take the hit so your machine does not.
- Worn or broken belts: Heavy wet Ontario snow puts enormous strain on drive belts. They wear out faster than most homeowners realize.
- Clogged discharge chute: Slushy, wet Ontario snow packs the chute tight and kills your snow blowing efficiency fast.
Why Ontario Winters Make Snow Blower Problems Worse
| Ontario Winter Factor | How It Damages Your Snow Blower |
|---|---|
| Heavy wet snowfall | Overloads belts and clogs chutes quickly |
| Freeze thaw cycles | Causes fuel condensation and carburetor gumming |
| Salted driveways | Accelerates rust and corrosion on auger and housing |
| Hidden rocks and ice | Snaps shear pins and damages auger blades |
| Long storage periods | Stale fuel breaks down and clogs the fuel system |
Why Won’t My Snow Blower Start?
Fuel System Problems Every Ontario Homeowner Should Know
This is the number one snow blower problem in Canada. It almost always comes down to one thing. Bad fuel.
Ontario summers are long enough to completely destroy the gas sitting in your machine all season.
Here Are Top 3 Reasons Snow Blower Fuel System to Fail After Summer Storage in Ontario
Gas breaks down after just 30 days. By October, that old fuel has already done real damage inside your snow blower.
- Stale gasoline: Loses combustibility and leaves thick sticky residue that blocks fuel flow completely.
- Gummed carburetor: Degraded fuel leaves varnish deposits that make starting nearly impossible.
- Clogged fuel lines: Broken down gas particles settle and starve your engine completely.
How Do You Fix a Clogged Carburetor on a Snow Blower in Ontario?
- Drain old fuel completely: Never store your snow blower with gas still sitting in the tank.
- Use carburetor cleaner spray: Dissolves varnish and residue quickly and effectively.
- Add fuel stabilizer going forward: Products like Sta-Bil protect your fuel for up to 24 months.
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Engine will not start | Stale summer gas | Drain and add fresh fuel |
| Gummed carburetor | Ethanol varnish buildup | Clean or rebuild carburetor |
| Blocked fuel line | Degraded gas residue | Replace fuel line |
| Water in tank | Ethanol moisture absorption | Use ethanol free gas |
What Are Shear Pins and Why Do They Keep Breaking on My Snow Blower in Ontario?
Shear pins are small bolts that connect your auger to the drive shaft.
They are designed to snap on purpose when your auger strikes something hard, like a rock, thick ice, or frozen debris buried under Ontario snow.
That one small pin saves your engine and gearcase from very costly damage.
Ontario driveways are full of hidden hazards, which is why shear pins break so frequently here.
| Shear Pin Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| What it does | Protects engine and gearcase from impact damage |
| Why it breaks in Ontario | Hidden rocks, ice chunks, and frozen debris under snow |
| Cost to replace | Under $5 per pin at local hardware stores |
| Time to replace | 5 to 10 minutes with basic tools |
| Spares to keep on hand | 6 to 10 pins minimum per season |
| Important safety step | Always disconnect spark plug before replacing |
Why Is My Snow Blower Auger or Wheel Drive Not Working?
Belts transfer power from your engine to your auger and wheel drive. When they snap or wear out, your snow blower runs but nothing moves.
Ontario winters are brutally hard on belts. Heavy wet snow overloads them constantly while extreme cold makes rubber brittle and prone to cracking.
Most people never notice belt wear until the belt fails completely during a storm.
Inspect your belts before every winter season in Ontario and always keep the correct replacement belt for your specific snow blower model on hand.
| Belt Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Auger not spinning | Broken auger belt | Replace auger belt |
| Weak wheel drive | Stretched or damaged drive belt | Replace drive belt |
| Belt slipping | Wrong size or glazed belt | Replace with correct OEM belt |
| Visible cracking | Cold weather rubber deterioration | Inspect and replace before season starts |
| Frequent breakage | Heavy wet Ontario snow overload | Clear snow in multiple smaller passes |
Why Does My Snow Blower Chute Keep Clogging in Ontario’s Wet Heavy Snow?
The discharge chute is where all that snow exits your machine.
When it clogs, everything stops.
Ontario is notorious for heavy wet slushy snow, especially during late fall and early spring storms. That kind of snow does not throw cleanly. It packs tight inside the chute and builds up fast.
Walking back and forth to clear a clogged chute in the middle of a snowstorm is frustrating and time consuming. A few simple habits and the right products can keep your chute flowing freely all Ontario winter long.
| Chute Clogging Factor | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Wet slushy Ontario snow | Heavy moisture content packs chute tight | Clear snow in smaller passes |
| Slow blowing speed | Snow sits too long inside chute | Increase engine speed before clearing |
| No chute treatment | Snow sticks to bare metal surfaces easily | Apply non stick chute spray or WD40 |
| Clearing with hands | Extremely dangerous and a leading cause of injury | Always use the clearing tool provided |
| Infrequent clearing | Buildup hardens and becomes harder to remove | Clear chute every few passes during heavy snow |
Is DIY Snow Removal With a Snow Blower Worth the Risk for Ontario Homeowners?
Snow blowers are powerful machines and Ontario winters are unforgiving. What looks like a simple chore can turn dangerous very quickly.
Every season, Ontario homeowners end up injured, frustrated, or facing expensive repair bills that could have been completely avoided.
Before you fire up that machine again, it is worth asking yourself if the effort, cost, and risk are really worth it.
Here Are 5 Dangers of DIY Snow Removal With a Snow Blower in Ontario
- Hand and auger injuries: Snow blower augers are one of the leading causes of serious hand injuries across Ontario every winter season.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning: Running your snow blower in an enclosed garage even briefly can be deadly without proper ventilation.
- Back and muscle strain: Pushing heavy equipment through deep wet Ontario snow puts serious strain on your back and joints.
- Slip and fall accidents: Icy driveways and walkways make operating heavy equipment extremely dangerous for homeowners of all ages.
- Liability risks: If snow or ice from your property injures a visitor or passerby you could be held legally responsible.
Why Do Ontario Homeowners Choose Custodia Snow Removal Services Over DIY?
Custodia Snow Removal Services takes the entire burden off your shoulders.
No equipment breakdowns, no early morning struggles, and no injury risks. Just a clean clear driveway and walkway every single time winter shows up.
- Professional grade equipment: Custodia uses commercial equipment that handles heavy wet Ontario snow quickly and efficiently every time.
- Fully insured and covered: You are completely protected. No liability, no property damage worries, and no out of pocket surprises.
- Reliable and on schedule: Ontario weather is unpredictable. Custodia shows up consistently so you never wake up to a buried driveway.
- No maintenance headaches: No fuel, no shear pins, no belts, no carburetor cleaners. Custodia handles everything from start to finish.
Top 3 FAQs About Snow Blower Problems in Ontario, Canada
What Is the Most Common Snow Blower Problem in Canada?
Stale fuel and a gummed up carburetor are the number one culprits across Ontario every winter.
How Long Does a Snow Blower Belt Last in Ontario?
Most belts last two to four seasons depending on snow volume, machine use, and regular maintenance habits.
Can I Use Regular Pump Gas in My Snow Blower in Ontario?
Yes, but choose the lowest ethanol content available. Ethanol attracts moisture and damages small engines during long storage periods.
Conclusion
Snow blower problems in Canada are frustrating but very preventable. A little preparation goes a long way.
Rather skip the stress entirely?
Book your free consultation online or call us today at 1-833-410-4357.
