Snowmobiling is a highly popular sport in North America, generating over $30 billion in economic activity, and it’s easy to see why. The rush of adrenaline as one zips through the snowy landscapes and cuts through the icy winds is an exhilarating experience. But before you embark on your next adventure, be sure to follow these 5 snowmobile maintenance tips!
#1. Align Your Skis
Just like car tires, snowmobile skis need to be aligned periodically. This improves the ride and longevity of the skis.
Proper ski alignment means the tips should toe out up to one-quarter of an inch, making its distance slightly greater than the distance between the tails.
#2. Adjust the Track
A correctly aligned and tensioned track leads to better fuel economy and less wear on the components.
Start by inspecting the snowmobile track for damage and wear. Replace any worn, bent, cracked, or missing clips. If the wheel bearings don’t roll freely, lubricate them according to the manufacturer’s recommendation; replace the bearings if they are stuck.
Then ensure the track is evenly aligned on both sides, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendation on adjusting the track tension.
#3. Check the Oil and Brake Fluid
Your snowmobile relies on numerous fluids such as coolant, fuel, oil, brake fluid, and radiator fluid to run smoothly and efficiently. Keep an eye on these fuel levels and top them off as needed. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on how frequently to check and change fluids.
Simultaneously, check the air filter, fuel filter, and oil filter; replace them if they’re too dirty.
#4. Check the Suspension
The snowmobile skid is the rear suspension assembly, a large metal frame that contains many key features. Upon lifting the snowmobile, you’ll find these components that may need to be tightened or replaced.
- Suspensions: shocks and springs.
- Sliders (hyfax): slippery plastic strips that go over the rails to save them from wear and tear.
- Front and rear arms: components connecting the rails and suspensions with the chassis.
- Limiter straps: straps that keep the front arm and the rails from traveling too far apart from each other.
- Idler wheels: wheels that help guide the track onto the rails.
- Ice scratchers: metal cables with steel ends that drag over snow and ice to generate snow dust to keep the skid lubricated and the engine cool.
#5. Check the Electrical
With properly functioning electrical components, you can keep riding even when the sun has set!
Make sure the gauge light, high and low headlights, tail lights, and brake lights work. Plus, the battery should be charged and ready to go.
Fill Up Your Gas Tank With Ease
Before hitting the trails, don’t forget to fill up your gas tank!
With EZ-POUR®, you can keep your gas cans functioning properly and fill up your snowmobile with ease. Our spouts are universal and come as a kit with different base caps to fit nearly every gas can imaginable.
To get your kit, shop online or visit one of our retailers today!