Want to keep your gasoline snow blower in top shape? Looking to find the best oil for snowblower?
You are in the right place! I have decided to find the best oil for snowblower, so you don’t have to do the research. Here’s what I found.
The overall best snowblower oil is Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 10W-30 . It is made by a reputable brand that knows its trade. It can withstand temperatures as low as -25 Celsius in the winter and up to 30 degrees Celsius in the summer. This oil will give your engine the maximum protection it deserves.
But that is not all! You can find complete reviews and lots more below! Keep on reading!
Contents
- 1 In A Rush? Here Are Our Favorite Picks
- 2 6 Best Motor Oils For Snowblowers
- 2.1 Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 10W-30 Motor Oil – Best Overall
- 2.2 Ariens 00091000 4 Cycle SAE 5W30 Oil – Most Trusted
- 2.3 Castrol 03057 GTX MAGNATEC 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil – Fastest Protection
- 2.4 AmazonBasics High Mileage Full Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil – Best Value
- 2.5 TECUMSEH 730226B 5W-30 Snow Thrower Oil – Best For Small Engines
- 2.6 EXPLORER SAE 5W30 Synthetic Snow Thrower 4 Cycle Engine Oil – Best For Cold Weather
- 3 Buyer’s Guide: How To Buy The Best Oil For Snowblower
- 4 FAQs
- 4.1 Should I use synthetic oil in my snowblower?
- 4.2 Can you use full synthetic oil in a snowblower?
- 4.3 Is synthetic oil better for snow blower?
- 4.4 What weight oil should I use in my snowblower?
- 4.5 Can I use any 5W30 oil in my snowblower?
- 4.6 Can I use 10W30 instead of 5W30 in snowblower?
- 4.7 Can I use 5W 40 in my snowblower?
- 4.8 What oil to use in Ariens snowblower?
- 5 The Best Oil For Snowblower Is …
- 6 About The Author
In A Rush? Here Are Our Favorite Picks
In a rush? Check out our comparison table below to see all the products we will talk about here and our favorites.
6 Best Motor Oils For Snowblowers
Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 10W-30 Motor Oil – Best Overall
- ADVANCED PROTECTION AGAINST the four main causes of engine breakdown: wear friction heat and deposits
- 40% BETTER WEAR PROTECTION vs. industry standard as tested in the Sequence IVB engine test
- 25% BETTER DEPOSIT PROTECTION with superior engine cleaning detergents as tested in the GMOD engine test
- Best overall snowblower oil.
- Stays fluid at -25 degrees Celsius.
- Made by a reputable brand.
- Full synthetic formula.
- Protects against heat, deposits, and wear.
Meet the Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 10W-30 Motor Oil! The best snowblower oil you can find.
This motor oil will keep your engine in optimal condition by fighting these three major stress factors: heat, deposits, and friction. Such advanced protection will maximize engine life, so you can use your snowblower for years to come.
This is all thanks to SynPower – a synthetic formula with more durable anti-wear additives. Synthetic oils are known to be of better quality because they are cleaner and have superior performance.
Most importantly, the Valvoline Advanced SAE 10W-30 Motor Oil has a viscosity rating of 10 in cold temperatures and a rating of 30 at normal operating temperature. This means that the oil stays liquid down to -25 and up to 30 degrees plus. The oil won’t freeze on you in the coldest of winters!
You should check the owner’s manual to confirm this grade of oil is suited for your snowblower. Luckily, Valvoline Advanced motor oil is available in many other grades too!
Pros
- Advanced protection
- Proven to maximize engine life
- Premium synthetic oil
- Suited for -25 to 30 degrees Celsius
- Reliable brand
- Stored in a convenient bottle
Cons
- May arrive damaged
Ariens 00091000 4 Cycle SAE 5W30 Oil – Most Trusted
- Ariens/Gravely OEM Part Number 00091000
- Replaces OEM Part Number(s): 00091000
- 5W-30 Snowblower Oil
- Made by a reputable and trusted snowblower brand.
- Stays fluid at -30 degrees Celsius.
- Provides engine protection under all conditions.
- Suited for all Ariens 4-cycle Sno-Thro models.
If you want to give your brand new Ariens snowblower the best of the best, you should buy motor oil manufactured by the same brand. They know what’s best for their machines.
Ariens 00091000 motor oil is suited for all Ariens 4-cycle Sno-Thro models (Ariens Oil Part Number: 00067600).
Ariens 00091000 4 Cycle SAE 5W30 motor oil provides protection under all weather conditions. It is rated 5W-30, which means it can withstand temperatures as low as -30 and up to 35 degrees Celsius.
I highly recommend buying this oil if you live in a particularly cold area. This way, you won’t have trouble starting your engine on the first try.
Pros
- Made by reputable snowblower brand
- Offers maximum protection
- All-weather ready
- Suited for -30 to 35 degrees Celsius
Cons
- 16 fl oz bottle despite picture showing 32 fl oz bottle
Castrol 03057 GTX MAGNATEC 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil – Fastest Protection
- ATTENTION: Castrol GTX Magnatec will be transitioning to a brand NEW Castrol product, GTX Full Synthetic, on January 1st...
- Dramatically reduce engine wear
- Leave critical engine parts 4X smoother. As tested in the industry Sequence IVA wear test
- Protects the engine from the start.
- Advanced synthetic formula.
- Stays fluid up to -30 degrees Celsius.
- Reputable brand.
- Leaves engine parts 4 times smoother than industry standard.
Did you know that 75 percent of engine wear occurs in the first 20 minutes of warm-up? Luckily, the Castrol 03057 GTX MAGNATEC 5W-30 protects the engine from the start.
The Castrol 03057 GTX MAGNATEC 5W-30 has an advanced synthetic formula that gives an extra layer of protection during warming up. The intelligent molecules don’t drip off engine parts once it stops. They stay on, making the engine ready for the next use.
What’s most important is that the Castrol 03057 GTX MAGNATEC 5W-30 is graded SAE 5W-30. It flows in temperatures as low as -30 and as high as 35 degrees Celsius. You can safely use this oil in the harsh winter weather, without the worry of it freezing.
Pros
- Protects engine from the start
- 4 times better lubrication
- Reduces engine wear
- Suited for -30 to 35 degrees Celsius
- Advanced synthetic formula
Cons
- May arrive leaking
AmazonBasics High Mileage Full Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil – Best Value
- 5 quarts of high-mileage full synthetic 10W-30 motor oil; ideal for engines over 75,000 miles and for longer drain...
- Prevents build up that can cause rust and corrosion
- Reduces friction for less engine wear; helps reduce exhaust emissions
- Best priced snowblower oil.
- Full synthetic motor oil.
- Stays fluid at -25 degrees Celsius.
- Fights rust and corrosion.
- Reduces friction with proper lubrication.
The AmazonBasics 10W-30 Motor Oil is the most affordable oil on my list. Its price may be low, but its quality sure isn’t! It’s affordable snowblower oil that delivers what it promises, so you get the most for your buck with this product.
Unlike many of the oils sold on the market today, this one is fully synthetic. It is superior to oils derived from crude oil because it offers better protection and performance.
What I like about this product is that it has high resistance against thermal breakdown. What that means is its formula doesn’t change in extreme temperatures.
The AmazonBasics motor oil has a weight of SAE 10W-30. This means it doesn’t lose its viscosity in temperatures as low as -25 and as high as 30 degrees Celsius.
Since this motor oil is good for car engines with over 75,000 miles on them, it would also be well suited for older snow blowers with a lot of wear.
Pros
- Best value motor oil
- Full synthetic formula
- Ideal for older snow blowers
- Suited for -25 to 30 degrees Celsius
- Helps reduce exhaust emissions
- Comes in an easy-to-use jug
Cons
- No clear visibility strip on the bottle for precise pouring
TECUMSEH 730226B 5W-30 Snow Thrower Oil – Best For Small Engines
- Specifically developed for snowblowers.
- Gives maximum engine protection.
- Stays fluid at -30 degrees Celsius.
- Designed for cold climates.
The TECUMSEH 730226B 5W-30 Snow Thrower Oil was specifically developed for snowblowers. It is, therefore, the best motor oil for small 4-cycle engines.
This motor oil offers maximum engine protection in cold weather thanks to the winter blend formula. It is designed to withstand colder climates. That’s how it should be! After all, snow blowers are used in the winter!
The TECUMSEH 730226B motor oil is graded 5W-30. The oil keeps its viscosity at -30 to 35 degrees Celsius. This motor oil stays stable in extreme temperatures. You won’t have any trouble starting your machine in the winter due to thickened oil. That’s guaranteed!
This is the best oil for snowblower because it can be used with most models. The 5W-30 weight is universal and it typically works with all snowblowers, regardless of the brand. Still, check your owner’s manual just to be sure!
Pros
- Made for snowblowers
- Optimal engine protection
- Compatible with most snow blowers
- Suited for -30 to 35 degrees Celsius
- No thermal breakdown
Cons
- Type not specified (synthetic, blend, crude, etc.)
EXPLORER SAE 5W30 Synthetic Snow Thrower 4 Cycle Engine Oil – Best For Cold Weather
- The Explorer Synthetic Snow Thrower Oil is the perfect answer to a well-maintained and optimally performing machine
- Keep your snow removing equipment well lubricated with this oil to ensure long-term protection and smooth functioning...
- Use in cold climates where temperatures range below 32 degree Fahrenheit
- Best weather-resistant snowblower oil.
- Stays fluid at -30 degrees Celsius.
- Ideal for small 4-cycle engines found in lawn equipment.
- It lubricates and cools the engine’s moving parts.
The EXPLORER SAE 5W30 Engine Oil is made to defy extreme weather conditions. Consider getting this motor oil if you live in a particularly cold area where temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Unlike generic motor oils, this one is specifically made for snow throwers. That’s why this product can withstand temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius. It doesn’t lose its viscosity in temperatures as high as 35 degrees Celsius either.
The EXPLORER 5W30 is a premium synthetic motor oil. It will protect the snowblower engine by lubricating, cooling, cleaning, and sealing internal moving parts. The motor oil simultaneously protects the engine from moisture when working in wet snow and from dust when sitting in the garage for the better part of the year.
Even though this motor oil is advertised for snowblowers, you can also use it for your lawnmower, tractor, garden tiller, edger, and other outdoor power equipment. You will get a lot of use out of this oil! It’s well worth its price.
Pros
- Made for cold weather
- No thermal degradation
- Suited for -30 to 35 degrees Celsius
- Designed for small 4 cycle engines
- Protects from moisture and dust
Cons
- Only available in big 12 bottle pack
Buyer’s Guide: How To Buy The Best Oil For Snowblower
Why Is Snowblower Oil Important?
Gas-powered snow blowers require regular maintenance. This includes adding Star Tron or Stabil fuel stabilizer to the tank, changing the spark plug, cleaning the carburetor, changing the air filter, and of course, and changing the motor oil.
Electric corded and battery-powered snow blowers don’t need so much upkeep. They have electric motors which don’t need oil to run smoothly.
Gas snow blowers, however, do need it! Their life kind of depends on it. The oil aids the movement of the engine. It lubricates the moving parts and cools the friction between them. Without the proper lubrication, you run the risk of seizing up the engine and breaking it completely.
Changing oil may seem tedious work, but it is worth it in the long run. It is better to change oil regularly than to spend hundreds of dollars on engine repairs. If your snowblower is broken beyond repair, I suggest you take a look at my best snow blower review list.
4 Cycle Engine Basics
Gas snow blowers are equipped with a 4 cycle engine. That’s why you will have to use 4 cycle oil on your machine. The label on the bottle should specify this. Check the EXPLORER SAE 5W30 Synthetic Engine Oil to see the proper labeling.
You can use your car motor oil for your snowblower. Just like snow blowers, cars also operate on a 4-cycle engine. Just make sure the weight of the oil complies with your snowblower.
You may get away with using your lawn mower motor oil on your snowblower, if it is rated for a 4-cycle engine and cold weather.
4 cycle engines are very fuel-efficient compared to 2 cycle engines. That’s because they consume fuel every fourth stroke. 4 cycle engines are generally more durable and less noisy.
4 cycle engines have a separate tank for fuel and oil and don’t need a premixing of both liquids like 2 cycle machines. Changing and adding oil is easier because of these separate chambers.
How Often Do You Need To Change Motor Oil?
Snowblowers need an oil change once a year, after approximately 50 hours of use, or at the start or end of every season. If you don’t do this, you may have trouble starting your snowblower after its been sitting.
You should check the oil levels in the tank after every 5 hours of use to make sure the oil level never drops below the line and it stays clean.
Here’s a tutorial on how to change snowblower oil:
Motor Oil Grading System Explained
Motor oils are graded based on their viscosity or thickness. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has set the scale for the viscosity of motor oils.
When you see the acronym SAE on the bottle before the grade, it means that the product complies with their regulations.
Every motor oil has its grade.
The first number represents the viscosity in low temperatures. The lower the number is, the colder temperature the oil can withstand. For instance, “5” means that the oil keeps its viscosity down to -30 degrees Celsius or -22 degrees Fahrenheit.
Since we use a snowblower in winter, it is important to lubricate the engine with motor oil that flows in the cold. If the oil is not winter-rated, it will thicken or freeze up and you won’t be able to start your engine until it warms up again.
The “W” that comes after the first number indicates that the motor oil is designed for cold winter weather.
The second number tells you the viscosity of the oil in normal conditions. Number “30” means the oil stays uncompromised in temperatures as high as 30 or 35 degrees Celsius. The picture above shows you the SAE grading system.
FAQs
Should I use synthetic oil in my snowblower?
You should use synthetic oil in your snowblower because it has better quality than motor oil refined from crude oil. Synthetic motor oils offer superior protection and performance and they’re more stable and resist high and low temperatures better.
Can you use full synthetic oil in a snowblower?
You can use full synthetic oil in a snowblower because it offers superior protection against wear and tear. Synthetic oils resist winter temperatures better than synthetic blends and conventional oil. They are designed to stay fluid in colder weather conditions.
Is synthetic oil better for snow blower?
Synthetic oil is better for snow blower because it offers better protection and performance. Synthetic oils are designed to flow smoothly in winter. They resist lower and higher temperatures better than other oils on the market.
What weight oil should I use in my snowblower?
What weight oil you should use in your snowblower depends on the model you have. The owner’s manual should clearly specify what motor oil you should use. Most snow blowers can use SAE 5W-30 weight oil. This grade works in temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius.
Can I use any 5W30 oil in my snowblower?
You can use any 5W30 oil in your snowblower that complies with SEA regulations. Just make sure the oil is suited for 4-cycle engines prior to purchase. The label should clearly specify that. The brand of the oil doesn’t matter, it can be a high-brand or off-brand.
Can I use 10W30 instead of 5W30 in snowblower?
You can use 10W30 instead of 5W30 in snowblower if the owner’s manual allows for it. The manual should specify what grade oils your snowblower can take. The 5W30 weight is resistant to lower temperatures than 10W30, so switching them up may not be the best idea.
Can I use 5W 40 in my snowblower?
You can use 5W 40 in your snowblower only if the owner’s manual allows for it. Don’t substitute 5W 30 for 5W 40 motor oil. It is too heavy and will damage the snowblower engine.
What oil to use in Ariens snowblower?
What oil to use in Ariens snowblower depends on the model you have. All Ariens snow blowers have a 4-cycle engine. The company recommends you use SAE 5W-30 motor oil in their Ariens and Sno-Tek engines. Check the owner’s manual for more details.
The Best Oil For Snowblower Is …
As you can see, there isn’t a shortage of motor oils on the market. There are plenty to choose from. Every one of the motor oils that I have reviewed today has something to offer.
With that said, I still have to announce the best oil for snowblower!
The clear winner is the Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 10W-30 Motor Oil . It is proven to maximize engine life by protecting it against friction, heat, and deposits. It also performs well in low temperatures, which is most important.
The runner-up worth mentioning is the AmazonBasics 10W-30 motor oil . It is cheap, and it does what it is supposed to do!
Remember, both of my top picks are available in 5W-30 weight too!
About The Author
Last update on 2023-09-23 at 08:25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API