Many parts of the Southern U.S., from Alabama to Louisiana, Texas, and even Florida, experienced a historic snowstorm in January 2025. According to Climate.gov, some places in these states got so much snow (at least 10 inches!) that they beat locations up north, including Chicago, IL. And winter’s far from over; snow can still fall until March or, depending on where you live, even April or May.
So, if you’re using ATV snow plows to clear all that frozen precipitation from your driveway or paths, you need to shower it with even more care and attention. The last thing you want is for your plows to break down prematurely on a snowy day, so their proper maintenance and storage are crucial.
If you’re unsure where to start, don’t worry: HitchDoc Outdoors has your back. We’ve shared ATV snow plow maintenance tips and best practices for protecting plows off-season, so read on.
Give ATV Snow Plows a Thorough Wash
One of the most crucial snow plow upkeep tips is to remove salt and debris with a thorough wash after every use. You don’t want salt covering your ATV or snow plow, which can cause corrosion. As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) points out, rock salt, used to melt snow, can have corrosive effects, particularly on vehicles, bridges, and roads.
Fortunately, all you need to wash your plows are:
- Clean water for rinsing
- A brush with plastic bristles to remove stuck dirt or debris
- A solution of dishwashing liquid and water in a bucket
You can use a garden hose set to low pressure for a quick and easy initial rinse. If dirt or debris remains on the blades, use the brush to remove the build-up. Afterward, splash soapy water on the plows and thoroughly rinse with plain water.
Please avoid using high-pressure power washers when cleaning your ATV snow plows. The intense pressure could:
- Dislodge components
- Dent the blades
- Affect the blades’ protective coating
Damaged blades are more susceptible to corrosion, which can shorten their lifespan. So, avoid using a pressure washer just because it may be able to remove stubborn dirt and debris from your snow plows quickly.
Inspect Plows for Wear and Damage
Performing an inspection before and after every use can help boost the longevity of ATV plows. It allows you to identify and correct issues before they become more severe, and most importantly, it’s crucial to the safe operation of your plows.
During your ATV snow plow inspection, look for signs of wear and tear, damage, or corrosion on the following:
- Plow blade
- Mounting hardware
- Electrical connections
You should also ensure that all electrical connections are tight and secure. Finally, inspect the skids, wear bars, and other snow plow accessories for potential issues.
Lubricate All Moving Parts
Lubricating your snow plows’ moving parts is crucial for the following reasons:
- Reduces Friction: Using appropriate lubricants on wear points (e.g., vertical pins in V-plows) considerably minimizes friction, reducing heat that can damage components
- Improves Performance: Proper lubrication facilitates smooth plow blade movement, which is essential for effective snow removal
- Prevents Rust and Corrosion: Adequate lubrication can also help safeguard metal components from rust and corrosion due to snow and salt exposure
So, correct lubrication helps your ATV snow plows function safely and as they should throughout the winter. It minimizes the risk of equipment failure, a problem that can leave you with no choice but to salt or shovel the snow.
Like salting, you’d want to avoid shoveling, too, as it can be an injury waiting to happen. As the Nationwide Children’s Hospital points out, this unpopular wintertime “activity” results in approximately 11,500 injuries and medical emergencies warranting treatment in U.S. emergency departments yearly.
Reduce Spring Tension
Before storing ATVs with snow plow attachments, lower their plow blades to their resting positions. Doing so can help:
- Prevent Unnecessary Stress on Components: Tightly wound springs exert constant pressure on plow mechanisms, leading to fatigue and potential issues if left for prolonged periods without use
- Improve Component Longevity: Releasing spring tension can help reduce risks of premature deterioration
- Make Them Easier to Adjust: Reduced spring tension makes manual adjustments to plow blade positions easier
Since spring tension makes snow plows easier to adjust, it can also help make storage and pre-season inspections a breeze.
Store Indoors if Possible
Just as you would store your car in your garage to protect it from the elements, you should do the same with your ATVs with snow plows. It’s even more terrible to leave them outside during winter and summer, as these seasons’ environmental conditions can be brutal on ATV and snow plow components, whether plastic, rubber, or metal.
Besides, leaving your ATV outdoors can put them at security risk. While not as common as motor vehicle thefts, ATV thefts still happen.
Use a Protective Cover if Storing Outside
If you must temporarily store ATV snow plows outdoors, choose a spot providing more shelter from the rain or direct sun. Cover them with a tarp to protect them from the elements.
Rest Plow Blades on a Designated Platform
If you must keep your ATV with snow plow attachments outside, consider using a designated platform, such as a piece of dry wood, as the blades’ support and resting surface. It can help protect the blades from direct contact with the ground and moisture that can make them more vulnerable to rusting.
Follow These ATV Snow Plow Maintenance and Storage Tips
Washing ATV snow plows after every use, lubricating moving parts, reducing spring tension, and storing them indoors are crucial maintenance and storage strategies. By following these tips, you can enjoy your snow plows for longer and ensure you can rely on them whenever the snow piles up for days.
If you don’t have an ATV snow plow yet or need parts for your ATV or snow plows, HitchDoc Outdoors has you covered. We’re your one-stop shop for high-quality Eagle Plows, our UTV and ATV snow plow brand, and parts and accessories. We’ve been manufacturing premier U.S.-made products since 2005.
Browse our premium snow plows and other products now, or contact us today for help with your orders!