I know that everyone will have their own view on winterizing, but here is what I do. I was skiing today and going snowmobiling tonight so I definitely live in a "winter" area, although there is only a couple feet of snow in the yard. Years ago I got tired of winterizing. I have too many engines to deal with, lawnmower, leafblower, weedwacker, 2 outboards, chainsaw, ski-boat, streetbike, 5 dirtbikes, etc. Now I leave the gas in and use a fuel stabilizer. Been doing this for more than 10years with excellent results. It must work. I can pull out my chainsaw that's been sitting on the shelf for a few years and get it started easily. Being the excessive type that I am, I use double the amount they recommend. Hope this helps. Cam.