Spraying Your Snow Blower with Pam? The Truth Revealed!
There’s nothing more frustrating than heading out to clear a driveway piled high with heavy, wet snow, only to have your snow blower clog every ten feet. That thick, slushy snow packs into the auger and chute, bringing your work to a grinding halt. It’s a common winter problem that sends many searching for a quick fix.
One popular “hack” that circulates online and through neighborhood advice is spraying the inside of the snow blower with Pam or other cooking sprays. The logic seems sound: if it keeps food from sticking to a pan, it should keep snow from sticking to your machine, right? While this can offer a temporary solution, it’s a short-term fix with long-term consequences that most people don’t consider.
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Why Does Snow Stick to a Snow Blower in the First Place? The Icy Problem Explained
Before diving into solutions, it’s essential to understand the problem. Snow isn’t just one thing; its properties change dramatically with temperature and moisture content. The light, fluffy powder from a deep freeze is easily thrown, but the wet, heavy snow that falls near the freezing point is a different beast entirely.
This type of snow has a high moisture content, which acts like a glue. As the snow blower churns, friction and the slight warmth from the engine can cause a microscopic layer of snow to melt and then instantly refreeze to the cold metal surfaces of the auger and chute, creating a stubborn, icy buildup that leads to clogs.
The Pam “Hack”: A Slippery Solution or a Costly Mistake?
Spraying your chute with cooking spray creates a temporary hydrophobic layer that repels water, making the surface slick. For a few minutes, especially in lighter snow, it can seem like a miracle cure. However, the ingredients in cooking spray are not designed for the harsh environment of a snow blower.
Pam and similar products contain vegetable oils (like canola or palm oil), lecithin (an emulsifier), and propellants. When exposed to cold temperatures, these oils thicken and lose their slipperiness. Over time, the oil residue mixes with dirt, salt, and moisture, creating a gummy, sticky film that is incredibly difficult to clean and, ironically, can cause snow to stick even more.
The Professional’s Choice: Better Non-Stick Alternatives for Your Snow Blower
Instead of raiding your kitchen pantry, investing in a product specifically designed for this task will save you headaches and potentially prolong the life of your machine. The best options create a durable, slick barrier that won’t break down in the cold or attract grime. These include silicone sprays, graphite sprays, and advanced polymer coatings.
Each type offers a different level of performance and durability, providing a far more effective and reliable solution than any kitchen product. Some advanced coatings, similar to what’s used on high-end ski equipment or automotive finishes, can create a super-slick surface that lasts an entire season.
| Coating Type | Effectiveness | Durability | Application | Potential Downsides |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooking Spray (Pam) | Low to Moderate | Very Low (minutes) | Spray on before each use. | Leaves a sticky, gummy residue that attracts dirt and worsens clogging over time. |
| Silicone Spray | High | Moderate (requires reapplication) | Clean, dry surface. Spray a thin, even coat and let it dry. | Effectiveness can diminish after a few hours of heavy use. |
| Graphite Spray (Dry Film) | High | High | Apply to a clean, dry surface. Dries to a slick, non-oily film. | Can be messy (black powder) during application if not careful. |
| Polymer/Ceramic Coating | Very High | Very High (often lasts a full season) | Requires thorough surface prep (cleaning and drying). Apply and allow to cure. | Higher initial cost and more involved application process. |
A Deeper Look at Superior Options
Silicone sprays are a popular and effective choice. They create a waterproof film that is stable in cold temperatures and safe for both metal and plastic components. Products like WD-40 Specialist Silicone or CRC Heavy-Duty Silicone Lubricant are widely available and work well. They provide excellent lubrication, helping snow and ice glide effortlessly through the chute.
Graphite sprays offer another excellent alternative. These are “dry film” lubricants, meaning they dry to a slick, powdery finish that is not oily or sticky. This is a significant advantage, as it won’t attract and hold onto dirt, salt, or other debris kicked up during snow removal.
For the ultimate in performance and durability, consider a polymer or ceramic coating. Products like Ariens Snow-Jet or even some high-quality automotive spray waxes can be used. These coatings bond to the surface to create an extremely hard, slick barrier that can often last the entire winter season with just one application, making them a “set it and forget it” solution.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Properly Apply a Snow Repellent Coating
Proper application is crucial for getting the best performance from any non-stick coating. Rushing the process or applying it to a dirty surface will lead to poor results. Taking a little time before the first snowfall will pay dividends all winter.
1. Safety First: Before doing any work, always disconnect the spark plug wire. This prevents any possibility of the engine accidentally starting while your hands are near the auger. Getting this simple step right is as crucial as knowing the meaning of the snowblower choke symbol for proper operation.
2. Clean the Surface Thoroughly: The coating needs to bond directly to the metal or plastic, not to a layer of old dirt. Use a good degreaser and a stiff brush to scrub the inside of the auger housing and the entire discharge chute. Remove any rust, grime, or old, gummy cooking spray residue.
3. Dry Completely: Once clean, the surfaces must be perfectly dry. Wipe everything down with a clean cloth and allow it to air dry completely. Trapped moisture will prevent the coating from adhering properly.
4. Apply a Thin, Even Coat: Work in a well-ventilated area. Shake the can well and apply a light, consistent layer of your chosen product. Focus on all the areas that come into contact with snow: the auger blades, the inside of the housing, the impeller (the second stage blades), and the entire length of the chute.
5. Allow for Proper Curing Time: This is the most important step and the biggest difference from the “spray-and-go” Pam method. Most dedicated coatings require time to dry and cure. This could be anywhere from 30 minutes for a simple silicone spray to 24 hours for a ceramic coating. Read the product’s instructions carefully and respect the recommended curing time for a durable, long-lasting finish.
Pro Tips for a Clog-Free Winter
Beyond applying a good coating, your operating technique can also make a big difference in preventing clogs. Moving at a steady, consistent pace allows the machine to process snow efficiently. Pushing too fast, especially in deep, wet snow, overloads the auger and is a primary cause of clogs.
Also, try to clear snow before it gets excessively deep, and always run the machine at full throttle to ensure the impeller is spinning fast enough to throw the snow clear. The power of your machine matters, and a robust model can handle tougher conditions with less effort. If you find your current machine is constantly struggling, it might be time to compare options like in this Toro vs Cub Cadet snowblower analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Snow Blower Coatings
Can you use regular WD-40 on a snow blower chute?
Regular WD-40 is primarily a water displacer and solvent, not a long-term lubricant. It can provide some initial slickness but evaporates quickly and leaves an oily film that attracts dirt. For best results, use a product from their “Specialist” line, specifically the Silicone or Dry Lube versions.
Is it okay to use car wax on a snow blower?
Yes, a high-quality liquid or spray-on car wax can work very well. It functions similarly to a polymer coating, creating a durable, slick surface that repels moisture. The application process is similar: apply to a clean, dry surface and buff it out once it hazes over.
How do you remove the gummy residue left by cooking spray?
Removing caked-on cooking oil residue requires a strong solvent. Start with a good degreaser. If that doesn’t work, you may need to use mineral spirits or acetone along with a stiff brush or scouring pad. Always work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gloves.
The Final Verdict: Ditch the Pam, Treat Your Machine Right
While the idea of using Pam on a snow blower is tempting due to its convenience, it is a misguided shortcut that creates more problems than it solves. The sticky residue it leaves behind can degrade performance and make your job harder in the long run.
By investing a small amount of time and money in a dedicated non-stick coating—be it silicone, graphite, or a polymer sealant—you provide a durable, reliable solution that actually works. Proper preparation and the right product will keep your machine running smoothly and efficiently, turning a frustrating chore into a much quicker and more satisfying task. A well-cared-for machine is a reliable one, and that starts with proper maintenance, as detailed in guides like this one for the Yamaha YS828 snowblower.
