Snowplow Maintenance & Service

Your snowplow provides an important service by keeping the roads safe and drivable even after heavy storms. The last thing you want is to discover your plow won’t start when there’s a thick layer of snow on the ground. Following a regular snowplow service schedule will keep your vehicle in good working order so it’s ready when needed. 

Stop by to see Belltown Motors for professional snowplow maintenance and service. Our experienced mechanics will ensure your snowplow is ready before you need it and help you set it up for secure, off-season storage.

Pre-season Preparation 

Don’t wait until the first snowfall to drag out your snowplow. Start before the cold weather season hits to ensure your snowplow is up for the job when it’s time. Getting a head start will also help you avoid a long wait if your snowplow needs to be serviced or repaired.

Belltown Motors can perform the following services for you during a pre-season snowplow inspection: 

• Hydraulic fluid check: The hydraulic fluid should be clean, topped off, and changed if needed. 
• Electrical connections assessment: All wires, connectors, and lights must be securely seated and free of corrosion. 
• Bolts and fasteners inspection: All fastening points on the snowplow must be secured tightly to avoid accidents. 
• Cutting blades examination: Cutting edges should show no signs of wear. A cutting-edge replacement is a must if it shows signs of extensive use. 
• Tires review: Your tires should be inflated to the proper pressure and show no signs of wear and tear. 
• Oil check: The oil levels must be at optimal levels so you can start the season fresh. 
• Battery assessment: The snowplow and vehicle batteries should be fully charged and replaced if necessary. 

Mid-season Checkup

You’ll need to keep an eye on your snowplow throughout the season to resolve any issues and keep it running smoothly all season. Perform regular post-use cleanings and do preventative maintenance. If your snowplow gets heavy use, check the following areas more often. Otherwise, once or twice during the winter should be enough. 

• Bolts and fasteners: Perform regular bolt tightening. The heavy vibrations of a snowplow can loosen them with use. 
• Cutting edge: The more you use your snowplow, the faster the blade will wear out. 
• Hydraulic system: Check the fluid level and pay attention to any signs of leaks or poor performance. 
• Electrical system: Check your vehicle and snowplow lights, controls, batteries, and other electrical functions to ensure they’re still working well. 
• Oil change: Depending on how many miles you put on your snowplow vehicle, you may need to change the oil mid-season as well. 
• Tire check: Examine your vehicle's tires regularly, particularly since you'll be driving in harsh conditions. 

Stop by to see Belltown Motors for mid-season inspections. You can trust our experienced mechanics to keep your snowplow in top-notch condition throughout the season. We'll also help you prepare it for storage during the spring and summer months. 

End-of-season Maintenance

Once warmer weather is on the way, you’re probably ready to put the snowplow away and enjoy the sunshine. However, before you place your vehicle in snowplow storage, you should do the following:

• Perform thorough cleaning: Wash and dry your snowplow and vehicle well before you store it. Don’t overlook the undercarriage and salt spreaders. It's also a good idea to put on a fresh coat of wax.
• Examine touchup paint: Once your snowplow is dry, look for any chips or scratches in the paint. Touch up any bare areas for rust and corrosion prevention. If you do see rust, remove it with a rotor or grinder before you paint. 
• Check hydraulic fluid: Drain and replace your hydraulic fluid so it doesn’t become contaminated or cause damage to your system. 
• Store the plow: Remove and store the plow separately if possible. Ideally, it should be off the ground in a clean, dry location. 
• Lubricate the parts: Grease fittings and all moving parts, as lubrication will ensure everything works smoothly. 
• Inspect the plow frame for vehicle alignment: Perform a plow frame inspection to pinpoint any signs of misalignment. 
• Repair damage: Make any needed repairs. 
• Fill up the gas tank: Your vehicle's gas tank can rust if it's left to sit empty for months. Top it off and add a gas stabilizer before storing it. 
• Change the oil: If you didn't do it mid-season, change the oil before you store your vehicle. 

Belltown Motors will help you prepare your snowplow for storage by performing a thorough inspection, getting it ready to be idle, and repairing all the damaged parts.

Common Problems 

The following are some of the most common failure points for snowplows:

• Hydraulic leaks and failure: The hydraulic system is prone to failure if the fluid gets low or is contaminated. This can cause components to wear out prematurely, making hydraulic system maintenance critical. 
• Electrical issues: Harsh weather can damage your electrical system and cause issues with your lights. Perform a snowplow lights check and electrical diagnostics before storage. 
• Blade wear: The cutting edge on your blade will wear down with use, so you should plan to replace it on a regular basis. 
• Corrosion prevention: Snowplows work in harsh weather, which can cause rust on the frame and hydraulic components. 

Being aware of these problems can help you avoid them. If you notice any of the above signs, bring your vehicle and snowplow to Belltown Motors for an inspection, diagnosis, and repair. 

Contact Belltown Motors for Reliable Services for Your Snowplow

Call us at (860) 267-7222 or bring your snowplow to our location at 80 East High Street, East Hampton, CT 06424.  Our technicians have been providing top-quality snowplow troubleshooting, service, and repair since 2001. We can help you extend the life and improve the performance of your snowplow.