Now is the perfect time to prepare your snow blower for what lies ahead.

Step 1: Start clean. Dirt, debris, oil or grease left unattended can wreak havoc on plastic and metal parts. Wipe down your equipment, clean the blades, check the chute and make the blower look as shiny and new as possible.

Step 2: Inspect the blades, scraper bar, wheels and discharge chutes. Look for any damage or excessive wear. Replace parts as needed.

Step 3: Remove the spark plug cap and unscrew the spark plug. Wipe the plug clean and inspect it for signs of damage. Replace the plug if it is worn. Screw the plug into place. Do not over-tighten the plug. Check the spark plug wire for nicks or scrapes. If all is well, press the wire cap back onto the plug.

Step 4: Always change the oil before initially starting four-cycle gas engines each season. Over time, engine oil accumulates moisture and debris that can corrode and damage multiple small engine parts.

Step 5: For electric blowers, check the electrical plug end and the extension cord for nicks, cuts or other damage that could compromise the safety of the equipment.

Step 6: Remove the blower cover and check belts for wear or stretching. Adjust pulleys as needed to tighten loose belts. Replace cracked, worn or stretched belts immediately.

Step 7: Check all the bells, whistles, nuts and bolts on the machine to make sure everything is tight and in working order.

Step 8: Check the gas to make sure it is fresh. Gas is a clear fuel with a distinctive smell. If the gas smells like varnish, has an amber color or shows signs of debris or water in it, the tank will need to be drained and treated with an enzyme fuel stabilizer. Keep engines in working order by using fuel stabilizer throughout the year. During the off season, store the equipment with a full tank of gas mixed with fuel stabilizer.

Step 9: Two-cycle engines are especially sensitive to the corrosive properties of ethanol. Always use ethanol free fuel in small engines. Go to pure-gas.org to find ethanol-free fuel near you. Or purchase premixed two-cycle fuel to avoid long term damage caused by poor quality fuels and to make storage easier.