Off-Season Maintenance Tips for Plows and Spreaders
Keep Your Equipment Ready for the Next Winter
After a long, punishing winter, your plows and spreaders deserve more than just a corner in the garage. They’ve been through heavy use, corrosive materials, and freezing temperatures, and without proper off-season care, they’ll be more likely to fail when the next snowstorm hits.
Just look at the numbers: in one winter season, the Minnesota Department of Transportation used over 140,000 tons of salt, 14,000 tons of sand, and 12 million gallons of brine, all materials known to accelerate corrosion on metal, rubber, and electrical components. Whether you manage a municipal fleet or run your own rig, off-season maintenance isn’t optional.
Explore our snow and ice equipment here to find the right tools for your fleet.
1. Wash and Dry Thoroughly
Before you do anything else, give your plows and spreaders a deep clean. Salt, deicing chemicals, and road grime cling to every surface, and if left alone, they will eat away at paint, metal, and wiring.
Checklist:
- Wash all surfaces with clean water and a mild degreaser
- Pay special attention to hard-to-reach areas around the spreader chute and plow frame
- Don’t forget the vehicle undercarriage if mounted
- Allow to air-dry for 48-72 hours before moving to storage
- If needed, use compressed air to remove moisture from tight joints and pivots
2. Inspect and Maintain Hydraulic Systems
Hydraulic failure is one of the most common causes of downtime at the start of winter, and most of it can be prevented.
Why it matters: Off-season sun and heat can cause cracking in hoses and seals. Idle systems can develop air pockets, leading to condensation and corrosion inside the lines.
Action Steps:
- Inspect hoses, fittings, and cylinders for cracks, wear, or leaks
- Top off hydraulic fluid to reduce air gaps where moisture can form
- Fully extend and retract pistons, then coat exposed rod with anti-corrosion grease
- Every 2-3 weeks, run your plow/spreader briefly to keep seals lubricated
3. Protect Electrical Components
Even a fully functional plow is useless if a corroded wire stops it from turning on. Electrical issues are notoriously common in snow equipment, and almost all are avoidable.
Best Practices:
- Clean off dust and grime from all connection points
- Apply dielectric grease to plugs, terminals, and fuses to repel moisture
- Check the vehicle battery, lights, and relays
- Test everything now, not the morning of your first job
4. Grease and Lubricate All Moving Parts
Pivot points, hinges, pins, and springs need lubrication to stay operational, especially after sitting idle through hot, humid months.
Where to Lubricate:
- All plow pivot points and springs
- Spreaders’ motor shafts and chain drives
- Hinges, latch mechanisms, and slide tracks
- Grease fittings on the plow frame and A-frame assembly
Use a high-quality, cold-weather-compatible grease for best results.
5. Touch Up Paint and Address Surface Damage
Minor chips in the paint today turn into major rust spots next season. Take time to inspect your equipment for cosmetic damage before storage.
Maintenance Tips:
- Remove rust with a wire brush or rotary tool
- Apply OEM touch-up paint or corrosion-resistant spray paint to exposed metal
- Don’t just paint over rust, prep the surface first for long-term protection
6. Store Equipment Properly
Storage is just as important as any maintenance job. Improper storage creates a perfect environment for moisture, UV damage, and rodent activity.
Best Practices:
- Store plows and spreaders in a dry, well-ventilated shelter
- Avoid tarps that trap humidity; use breathable covers if needed
- Keep equipment off dirt by elevating it
- Stay away from salt stockpiles, which release corrosive vapors
- Clear any debris nearby that could invite rust or pest damage
The Work You Do Now Pays Off Later
Winter will be back before you know it, and when it hits, your customers (or community) are counting on you. A plow that won’t lift, a corroded spreader, or a dead electrical connection can delay service, cause expensive repairs, and hurt your reputation.
By spending just a few hours this off-season inspecting, lubricating, and storing your plows and spreaders correctly, you’ll start next season with peace of mind and equipment that performs like it should.
Trusted Parts and Support from Henderson
At New England TruckMaster, we proudly support Henderson equipment, the trusted name in snowplows, spreaders, and ice control products. Using genuine Henderson parts ensures:
- Maximum equipment longevity
- Better corrosion resistance and durability
- Reliable hydraulic and electrical components
Explore Henderson products or contact us to learn more.
