DIY snowmobile maintenance tips to keep you riding all winter long
By Allstate
Last updated: January 1
Whether you are an experienced snowmobile driver or looking to try it out for the first time this year, it's important to take care of your sled. Proper snowmobile maintenance throughout the season may help keep your ride running smoothly, says SnowGoer Magazine. It may not only help it last longer, but it might also help reduce mechanical problems and could even give you better fuel economy.
Consider the snowmobile maintenance tips below for a fun and safe winter of riding.
Consider the snowmobile maintenance tips below for a fun and safe winter of riding.
According to Snowmobile.com, you should check your engine regularly throughout the season to make sure all fluid levels are properly maintained. When it comes to oil, it is best to use the manufacturer's recommendation to get the best snowmobile performance, according to SnowGoer.
To keep your engine happy and help extend its life, SnowGoer suggests letting your engine idle for a couple of minutes before revving it up. That's because the engine consists of parts made from different materials, some of which warm up at different rates.
Check the drive belt
When a drive belt breaks, it can contribute to a blown engine, says SnowRider Online Magazine. If this happens when you are out on a trail, you may not be able to fix it with the limited supplies or tools that many riders typically have on board. By simply checking your drive belt before each ride, you might be able to help prevent a serious problem, says SnowRider.
To make sure the belt is still functional, check that the lugs (the "teeth" of the belt) aren't worn flat and the edges of the belt aren't starting to shred. According to SnowRider, this can be an indication that the belt may be susceptible to failure.
Keep it clean
To keep your snowmobile working for many seasons to come, SnowGoer Magazine recommends washing it after every ride to help prevent rust and corrosion of the metal parts. This includes washing away any road salt the snowmobile has collected during traveling, as well as oil or grease that may have spilled or leaked. SnowGoer suggests letting your sled dry completely, which may include running it on a jack-stand to remove water in the bearings, clutches or suspension.
To prevent too much of a mess from accumulating on your snowmobile in the first place, SnowGoer also suggests covering it while in transport. The ideal way to avoid road grime is to put it in an enclosed trailer, but a cover that wraps around the entire sled would work as well. This should keep your plastic, aluminum, painted and other surfaces from getting damaged by salt and road spray.
This winter, spend more time on the trails with these snowmobile maintenance tips. A well-kept snowmobile throughout each riding season can help your machine get better performance for a longer time