It's a sound you're sure to hear whenever a heavy snowfall affects a neighborhood: the whirring and grinding of snow blowers as homeowners work to keep sidewalks and driveways clear.

Snow blowers are especially convenient for people who have plenty of pathways to dig out after a snowstorm. The machines allow you to quickly and easily throw snow onto your lawn, and many homeowners consider them preferable to the arduous alternative of shoveling.

With warm winter temperatures, Connecticut homeowners have only had to break out the snow blowers for a single storm so far this season. Even if this proves to be the only time the device is used this time around, you'll want to make sure it's in good shape for any future blizzards. And you should always keep a few safety rules in mind when you start up the snow blower.

Maintenance

Different snow blower manufacturers will have different recommendations for how to keep the machine performing at its best. Consulting the owner's manual will let you know what steps you should take at the start and end of the winter season.

The vibration of the snow blower can start to work its nuts and bolts loose. Donna Boyle Schwartz, writing for the home improvement professional Bob Vila, says you should inspect and tighten all of these connections.

Tightening the fasteners is one easy step to take after each use of the snow blower. You should also do a pass over a cleared area to knock any remaining snow off the auger and clear snow out of the throw chute. Lubricating the moving parts to the manufacturer's specifications may help snow from sticking to the parts or clogging up the components.

The machine's belts can also start to wear out over time. Check for any cracks, fraying, or other signs of damage. If the snow blower has a pull cord, make sure it is not starting to come apart. You don't want to pull the cord one snowy day and have it come off in your hand.

Some snow blowers have a battery start rather than a pull cord. Ed Perratore, writing for Consumer Reports, says the machine is unlikely to perform well if you charge the batteries in freezing temperatures. Other recommendations on battery maintenance will be outlined in the owner's manual.

Look at the tires to see if they are in good shape. If they are underinflated or worn, they are less likely to get good traction on a surface.

Older two-cylinder models will mix fuel and gas, but more modern snow blowers have four-cylinder engines that store the oil separately. Before storing the snow blower for the warmer months, it is a good idea to drain both the fuel and oil.

Schwartz says you can start the engine to warm up the oil, then shut it off and drain the oil into a waste receptacle. You can then refill the oil reservoir and check to make sure it is not leaking.

Removing the gas from a snow blower prevents the fuel from oxidizing over time. Any fuel you siphon from the machine can be used in a vehicle or lawn mower. Perratone recommends running the engine dry and only using new gasoline with an added stabilizer when you bring out the snow blower for the next winter season. Once the engine is cool, you can drain the carburetor bowl to remove any lingering fuel.

The end of the season is a good time to see if any parts need to be replaced. Schwartz says you may need to change the filters and spark plug to keep the engine running smoothly. If you notice wear on any critical parts, such as the scraper or auger components, you may need to swap them out.

Keeping the machine clean will ensure that it is ready to go next winter. Brian Heuberger, writing for Angie's List, says you should cover the snow blower with a tarp to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating on it. Keeping it in a garage, shed, or other protected area can also keep it out of harm's way.

Having a few spare parts on hand can be especially helpful if the snow blower experiences a problem while you are using it. Shear pins are specifically designed to break off to prevent damage to the engine if the auger strikes an object. Keep a few extra shear pins aside so you can easily replace this part.

Much of this maintenance will be offered by lawn and garden stores. If you prefer to have a professional inspection and tune-up of your snow blower, take it to one of these businesses at least once a year.

Safety

The most common mishap involved in using a snow blower occurs when a person tries to clear out a clog in the auger or throw chute. The moving parts can cause severe injury to your hands, including amputated fingers.

The American Society for Surgery of the Hand says a snow blower is most likely to become clogged during wet, heavy snowfall. During these weather conditions, you should try to run the snow blower several times before the snow stops falling.

If the machine clogs, turn it off and disengage the clutch. You should also wait a few seconds before attempting to remove the snow, since the blades can continue spinning.

Never try to clear a clog in a snow blower with your hands. Instead, use an object such as a stick or broom handle.

When using the snow blower, keep your hands and feet away from its moving parts. Wear boots with good grip to ensure that you don't slip while running the machine. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says you should also be aware of where the power cord is running if you are using an electric snow blower.

Don't remove any shields or other safety features from the snow blower. You should only operate the machine in a well-ventilated area, since carbon monoxide will build up if you use it in an enclosed space.

Allow the engine to cool before refueling the snow blower, as hot parts may cause spilled gasoline to ignite. When storing the snow blower, keep it away from potential ignition sources such as the furnace or water heater. This precaution will reduce the chance that the fuel will be exposed to an open flame or spark.