7 Snowblowing Tips That Will Clear Your Driveway Much Faster
When winter storms roll through, clearing snow becomes less of a chore and more of a race against time. A snowblower can be a huge help, but if you're not using it efficiently, you’re likely wasting effort. Whether you're working through heavy slush or fine powder, a few small tweaks can make a big difference in how fast you get the job done. Here’s how to get through it smarter, not harder.
Take Your Time with the First Pass
The first strip you clear sets the tone for the rest of the job. If you rush or cut it awkwardly, you'll fight that decision for the next thirty minutes. Instead, take your time on that first pass to make sure it’s straight and well-placed. This becomes your guide, giving you a smooth, efficient rhythm to follow. A good first line saves you from zig-zagging or needing to redo crooked edges later.
Push Snow into Natural Low Spots
Instead of blowing snow in random directions or toward high mounds, look around for dips or areas of the yard where snow can settle without sliding back. These spots handle buildup better, and the snow tends to stay put. You'll waste less time re-clearing areas where snow drifted back or toppled over from a too-high pile. It also reduces strain on your blower when you’re not trying to stack it higher each time.
Switch Up Your Grip Hand Midway
It might not seem like much, but changing which hand you steer with halfway through the job can help prevent fatigue and improve control. Most people default to one hand, which leads to uneven turning and slower reaction time when the machine pulls one way. A quick switch mid-job gives your dominant hand a break and lets you finish with more precision, especially if you're working through thicker snow.
Turn Off the Drive to Realign Easier
When maneuvering around tight corners or lining up for your next pass, you'll move faster by temporarily switching off the drive. It gives you more control over positioning without wrestling with the machine’s forward pull. It’s a small habit, but it lets you pivot more cleanly and reduces the time spent adjusting after awkward turns. This works especially well around cars or near garage edges where clearance is tight.
Aim for Slight Angles on Long Driveways
Instead of running your blower in a straight line up and down a long driveway, angle your path slightly so the chute throws snow diagonally across each pass. This prevents buildup along the edges and spreads snow more evenly, keeping piles from creeping into your next line. You won't need to keep shifting the chute or turning around to fix uneven piles, which adds up to real time saved.
Use Shrubs and Fences as Wind Buffers
Natural features like bushes, low trees, or solid fencing can help shield your work area from wind if you plan your route accordingly. That way, snow won't blow back into your face or onto already-cleared sections as easily. Even if the barrier is off to the side, clearing near it first gives you a protected edge to work from. Using your landscaping to your advantage helps ensure you won't have any of your hard work undone!
End Where You Start
Most people finish wherever the last bit of snow happens to be. But if you circle your path so that your final strip ends near your starting point, you cut down on the time and effort needed to store the blower or get it back into the garage. It's an admittedly small detail, but it keeps the whole process tidy and avoids tracking slush back over clean areas as you leave.
Speeding up snow removal doesn't always mean just moving faster. The way you plan your route, control your machine, and interact with your space can either cost you time or save it. Add even one or two of these tips to your routine, and clearing snow might finally feel less like a chore that drags on and on.