The winter season is hard on outdoor equipment. Snowblowers especially have to operate in harsh environments with ice, salt, and snow. On top of that, homeowners expect their snowblowers to start up quickly and run smoothly even from a cold start. The key to keeping your snowblower running smoothly is regular maintenance. A good snowblower maintenance routine includes regularly changing your oil and also checking your oil with every tank of fuel then topping off as needed.
Gas powered snow blowers rely on engine oil to keep things running smoothly and protect the engine from dirt and moisture. Snowblower engine oil helps with easy startup, and changing the oil regularly is key to extending the life of your snowblower. Several kinds of snowblower engine oil are available, and we compare them below to help decide which oil will best protect your snowblower engine from cold snow and winter weather.
Contents
Best Snowblower Motor Oil
Our top pick for best snowblower oil is Toro 4-Cycle Engine Oil. This engine oil works well in even the most extreme cold weather and has a unique thermal and oxidative stability feature to keep the engine running well. Excellent wear protection and deposit resistance.
- 5W-30 4-cycle specially formulated for cold...
- Provides lubrication, cooling, cleaning & seals...
Last update on 2023-03-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Runner Up: Best Snowblower Motor Oil
Ariens Company Engine Oil is our runner-up pick. It’s made with a non-biodegradable formula and will especially help lubricate the engine so it functions correctly. This snowblower oil will also keep your engine cool so you can use the device longer without overheating.
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Budget Choice: Snowblower Motor Oil
If you’re looking for an affordable snowblower oil, Briggs & Stratton Motor Oil is something to consider. This detergent oil will prevent engine wear and tear so that it stays durable. The oil is a bit lower priced than competitors so it saves homeowners some money.
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Snowblower Motor Oil Buyer’s Guide
What to Look for When Shopping for Snowblower Oil
Remember that the motor oil you find for cars will be the same as oil for snowblowers. If your snowblower user manual calls for 5W-30 motor oil you can pick from any of the automotive motor oil brands. There are a few brands that differentiate with oil targeted specifically at snowblowers, but any of the oil options will work. Still, you will want to keep a few things in mind before you purchase snowblower oil.
If the Oil Works With Your Model
Take a few minutes to review what sort of snowblower you have. If it is an electric snowblower you do not have to change the oil. A two-cycle engine will require you to add oil to the fuel as a mixture. This review focuses on a four cycle engine and the motor oil you would use. So, it seems like any snowblower oil should work with any snowblower model but that isn’t quite true. Using the wrong type of oil can cause problems so be sure to check your user manual and inspect your machine.
It is important to make sure the motor oil works with your snowblower model. This information is usually printed on the front of the bottle. Also, while it is ok to mix oil from different brands don’t mix different oil viscosity or synthetic and regular oil.
If it Works Well in Severe Weather
Most snowblower oils are designed to work in cold conditions, but some might not be able to handle extreme temperatures. If they can’t, the oil could freeze inside your snowblower which could damage the engine and surrounding pieces. To prevent this, see if the oil has a temperature limit.
Oil designed to work in cold temperatures will have an upper case letter ‘W’ after the first number. The first number in the oil refers to the cold weather viscosity, and the lower the number the less viscous (thinner) your oil will be in the cold. For example a 5W motor oil and a 15W are both winter rated but the 5W will have better flow at lower temperatures and pour easier. The other number is the hot viscosity, which grades how well the oil flows under hot operating temperatures.
If the Engine Burns Oil
It might also be good to see how cleanly the engine runs and if it burns any oil. If the oil isn’t clean, it will create heavy fumes. These aren’t only nauseating, but can be very toxic to your health. Due to this, it’s important to see what the oil is made out of. For instance, synthetic snowblower oil might be powerful, but it can form very strong fumes. Synthetic oil is a bit thinner than conventional oil so sometimes will leak through small cracks and cause oil leaks or burning. If you are burning a lot of oil consider a new snowblower.
How Often to Change Snowblower Oil
It is recommended to change your snowblower oil twice a year, once halfway through the season and once at the end of the season. This is probably a bit of overkill but can help your machine stay running smoothly for the long run. Change the oil at least annually since most snow blowers lack an oil filter to catch metal bits or an air filter to keep out dust.
New Snowblower Oil and Maintenance
Some new snowblowers might be delivered with ‘5 hours of oil’ which is used in a new machine as the engines wear in. After running the new engine for about 5 hours your engine will be broken in and a lot of contaminants will drain out with the old oil. Fill it up with new engine oil and be ready to go. Check your user manual for specific instructions as some machines recommend running it for a month before first oil change.
Snowblower Motor Oil Reviews
Pennzoil Platinum Motor Oil 5W-30
Key Points at a Glance
- 5W-30 engine oil works well in winter cold.
- Its special formula keeps the pistons clean by removing dirt and other particles that could clog them.
- It doesn’t overheat the engine.
- It’s easy to pour.
Dimensions and Specs
- Five-quart bottle
The Details
Pennzoil Platinum Motor Oil is a good product to use on powerful snowblowers. This oil is made out of natural gas which helps prevent strong odors and gives the oil a clear look when you pour it.
The motor oil is specially designed to keep your engine’s pistons clean. As it runs through the engine, the oil will flush out dirt and dust particles that could clog them. It’s designed to work at a low temperature and can also help prevent your engine from potentially overheating.
To help you easily pour the oil into a snowblower this product has two handles you can use – one on the top and one on the side. Keep in mind that the lid can be a little flimsy. You’ll need to make sure that it’s secured on the top or the oil will spill.
The Bottom Line
If you’re searching for a strong snowblower oil, consider this quality product from a leading brand name. Pennzoil not only burns cleanly but also keeps your engine running smoothly.
- Full synthetic 5W-30 engine oil made from made from natural gas, not...
- Provides better fuel economy—drive on average an extra 550 miles per...
- Pennzoil Platinum 5W-30 keeps pistons up to 45% cleaner than the...
- No other leading synthetic oil provides better wear protection from...
- Formulated to provide faster low-temperature oil flow and protection...
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Briggs & Stratton Motor Oil 5W-30 synthetic
Key Points at a Glance
- It’s designed for small four-cycle engines.
- It comes in a 32-ounce bottle.
- This model uses SJ/CD detergent oil.
Dimensions and Specs
- It weighs two pounds.
The Details
This motor oil by Briggs & Stratton is created for four-cycle engines. This high-quality option prevents damage to your engine by removing harmful particles and by lubricating the parts inside. By doing so, it will keep your engine durable.
Unlike many other models, this product uses SJ/CD detergent oil. This works to stop your engine from rusting and burns cleanly. Be careful when pouring this motor oil into your snowblower and try to not overfill this oil in your snowblower. If you do, it will start to squirt out of the sides of the machine creating a huge mess.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for an affordable snowblower oil, definitely keep this one in mind. Briggs & Stratton Motor Oil not only uses detergent oil to keep your engine clean but it also helps ensure that it does a good job at removing snow.
- 100% Synthetic SAE 5W-30
- For Use In All Air Cooled 4-cycle Engines
- 32 Oz. bottle
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Castrol Magnatec Motor Oil 5W 30 synthetic
Key Points at a Glance
- It’s a full synthetic motor oil.
- It uses intelligent molecule technology.
- It is a long lasting motor oil.
Dimensions and Specs
- It comes in a five-quart bottle.
The Details
Castrol Magnatec Motor Oil is a full synthetic motor oil that is designed to help better protect the snowblower’s engine. It uses powerful intelligent molecule technology which allows the oil to attach to all engine pieces. This prevents oil from leaking out of the snowblower and keeps it running well. Because of this feature, the motor oil will last you for a bit longer than other brands.
Users like synthetic oils because they help start the engine on cold days, which can really help on a pull start. Also, the synthetic oil will lube the engine quicker when cold than conventional oil and does a better job at heat dissipation.
The Bottom Line
If you need a snowblower oil that lasts long and will protect your engine, Castrol Magnatec Motor Oil might be good to consider. It’s created with unique intelligent molecule technology that keeps your engine clean and working well.
- ATTENTION: Castrol GTX Magnatec will be transitioning to a brand NEW...
- Dramatically reduce engine wear
- Leave critical engine parts 4X smoother. As tested in the industry...
- Superior wear protection on critical engine parts
- For best performance, follow the manufacturer's recommendations in...
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Ariens Company Engine Oil Winter 4-Cycle
Key Points at a Glance
- It’s designed for four-cycle engines.
- It keeps the snowblower engine cool.
- It’s made with a non-biodegradable formula.
- The formula ensures that the engine pieces are properly lubricated.
Dimensions and Specs
- It weighs 32 ounces.
The Details
This engine oil by Ariens Company keeps your snowblower cool when running which will help the engine run better. As you power on the snowblower, the oil will get sent throughout the engine to coat interior pieces and help them to function correctly.
The Ariens Company Engine Oil is made with a non-biodegradable formula. While it’s best to use with Ariens snowblowers, it can be safely mixed with other four-cycle engines.
The Bottom Line
This product is good for those who need a simple yet strong oil to use in their snowblower. Its non-biodegradable formula makes sure your engine is completely coated so you have the reliable power you need to quickly blow away snow.
- Designed to work effectively
- Durable and long lasting
- Convenient and easy to use
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Toro 4-Cycle Engine Oil
Key Points at a Glance
- It’s designed for four-cycle engines.
- It’s perfect to use in cold weather.
- It’s made with detergent oil.
- This motor oil will not only lubricate the engine, but seal small parts.
Dimensions and Specs
- It weighs 32 ounces.
The Details
Toro 4-Cycle Engine Oil is created for four-cycle snowblower engines. It’s ideal to use in cold weather, even in severe temperatures. When poured into your snowblower this oil will not only coat the engine so that it functions correctly but also help seal parts so they don’t become easily damaged.
This detergent oil also has thermal and oxidative stability. This will prevent the snowblower from becoming overwhelmed due to long usage or cold temperatures. While it can be used with all four-cycle engines, it’s not good to use in a two-cycle engine. It’s also important to not mix this oil with gasoline as it could block the engine from turning on.
The Bottom Line
Toro 4-Cycle Engine Oil is a great product to use in four-cycle snowblowers. It offers an intricate formula that promises to keep your engine safe from damage and working well for years.
- 5W-30 4-cycle specially formulated for cold weather use
- Provides lubrication, cooling, cleaning & seals internal parts
Last update on 2023-03-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
Using the right snowblower oil is essential if you want to make sure your device works correctly. Thankfully, there are plenty of options available for you to choose from, like our top pick, Toro 4-Cycle Engine Oil, which is ideal for those who are willing to invest in a powerful option that will keep their snowblower running well.
You could also check out our runner-up, Ariens Company Engine Oil, which will coat the engine to keep it cool and so that all its pieces function correctly. If you’re on a budget, Briggs & Stratton Motor Oil might be something to consider. It’s best for small engines and will keep them durable thanks to its SJ/CD detergent oil formula. No matter which one you decide to use with your snowblower, you can be sure that it will help the snowblower do impressive heavy-duty work.
Taking good care of your snowblower with regular maintenance can help ensure that when winter cold and winds start blowing you snowblower is ready to get the job done. Homeowners should also be sure to store their snowblower away from the elements in a snowblower storage shed or garage.
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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