Winterizing Your Sealcoating Equipment: 6 Must-Do Steps

When the season’s last driveways and parking lots are sealed, it’s tempting to park your equipment and call it a year. However, a little extra care now can save you big headaches when spring arrives. Seal-Rite equipment is built to last, but even the best tanks, trailers, and skids require protection from freezing temperatures and prolonged periods of inactivity. Winterizing your sealcoating equipment doesn’t just protect your investment, but it also keeps you from losing precious time at the start of your next season. Here are six steps every contractor should take before the snow flies.

Step 1: Give Everything a Good Cleaning

Sealers left behind over the winter will dry, harden, and clog up your system. That means wasted time and unnecessary repairs in the spring.

Flush your tank until the water runs clear.
Rinse your hoses, pump, and spray tips so no residue remains.
Use a mild detergent to help break down leftover material.

Whether you’re running one of our skids, trailers, or bulk tanks, cleaning out the system is the first and most important step in winterizing.

Step 2: Protect Your Pump, Hoses, and Valves

Any water left in your system can freeze and crack expensive parts. The fix is simple: run low-temp windshield washer fluid through your pump and lines.

Low-temp windshield fluid is safe, affordable, and keeps seals lubricated.
Run it until you see it come out of your spray tips.
Don’t forget your quick couplers and valves because they can trap water, too.

A few gallons of windshield washer fluid can save you hundreds of dollars in repairs later.

Step 3: Check for Wear Before You Store It

The off-season is the perfect time to give your equipment a once-over. After a long season, spray tips wear out, hoses crack, and agitation paddles can start to show their age.

Look over:

Spray tips and hoses
Valves and fittings
Agitation paddles
Brushes, brooms, and squeegees

Replacing worn parts now means you won’t scramble when jobs start next spring. Seal-Rite stocks all the necessary parts and accessories and is ready to ship when needed.

Step 4: Don’t Forget the Engine

If you’ve got a Seal-Rite Unit with a Honda engine, a little maintenance will go a long way.

Change the oil and air filter.
Add fuel stabilizer to keep gas from gumming up.
Disconnect and store your battery in a warm spot if you have one.

Taking care of the motor now means an easy startup next season.

Step 5: Prep Your Bulk Tanks

Our bulk storage tanks work hard all year, but need the same attention before winter.

Empty or fill them with water and low-temp windshield washer fluid if that works better for your setup.
Run the agitator briefly to ensure the low-temp windshield washer fluid coats everything.
Look for leaks or cracks and fix them before the cold sets in.

Your bulk tanks are the heart of your material handling system. Protecting them now keeps your business running smoothly in the spring.

Step 6: Store Your Equipment Right

Finally, give your equipment a safe place to rest.

Keep your skids and trailers indoors if possible.
If not, cover them with a high-quality tarp and keep hoses off the ground.
Make sure your storage spot drains well so water and ice don’t collect around your equipment. Good storage keeps rust, corrosion, and weather damage at bay.

Why Winterizing Sealcoating Equipment Pays Off

Spending a little time now saves you much time later. Winterizing:

Prevents expensive damage
Cuts down on spring downtime
Keeps your gear running longer
Makes you ready to work as soon as the season starts

Our equipment is built for efficiency and durability, but taking these six steps ensures you get the most out of your investment year after year.

Seal-Rite Has You Covered

Seal-Rite is your one-stop shop for professional sealcoating equipment and parts, from skids and trailers to bulk tanks and crack-filling tools. We ship nationwide and beyond, so you can count on us to deliver what you need, no matter where you work.

Take the time to winterize your equipment now; when the busy season returns, you’ll be glad you did. Ready for replacement parts or thinking about upgrading? Seal-Rite is here to keep your business moving forward. Contact Seal-Rite at 573-387-4491 today or visit us online for more information!

More Detailed Winterization Guides: