Snow plow pre-season maintenance checklist

Hydraulics

• Check the fluid level and condition, using the fluid your manual specifies.
• Look for weeping or leaking cylinders, hoses and fittings.
• Raise, lower and angle the blade several times and watch for slow, jerky or uneven movement.

Cutting edge and wear parts

• Measure the cutting edge for wear and replace it before it is down to the moldboard.
• Inspect plow shoes, deflectors and any wing hardware for wear, cracks or missing bolts.

Electrical and lighting

• Test the controller in the cab and make sure every function responds.
• Check connectors for corrosion and loose pins; clean and protect them as your manual directs.
• Check that plow lights and the truck's lights all work with the plow mounted.

Mount and attachment

• Check the mount and attachment hardware for tightness, cracks or bent parts.
• Make sure the plow attaches and releases smoothly.

Signs it's time for a shop visit

• Slow, uneven or jerky blade movement that does not improve after checking the fluid.
• Fluid on the ground, on the cylinders or around hose ends.
• A controller that works intermittently, or lights that flicker when the plow moves.
• Cracks or bent metal on the mount, frame or moldboard.
• Anything you are not sure is safe — plows work under load and hydraulics under pressure.

Storage and off-season care

• Store the plow on a stand, off the ground, with the blade lowered or supported as your manual directs.
• Wash off salt and road film; it speeds corrosion on hardware and connectors.
• Touch up bare metal and replace worn labels or reflectors.

Test, then schedule what you find

Run a full test on dry pavement before the first storm. If anything fails, request service early — shops get busy once snow is in the forecast. You can request diagnostics, repair or seasonal maintenance online and we confirm a time against real shop capacity.