Though some folks may high-tail it inside when winter hits, snowmobilers hit the high trails instead! But is your vehicle prepared for the weather? As excited as you might be for snow, you don’t want to be left out in the cold. Here are some handy tips for winterizing snowmobiles to help ensure it’s safe and ready to ride!
1. Inspection:
The first step is an overall inspection of the snowmobile’s parts. This would include looking for cracks, excessive wear and tear, and anything that might have come loose. Anything used to block air intake or exhaust pipes should be unplugged. And it’s a good idea to make sure the vehicle hasn’t collected any unexpected stowaways while in storage, such as mice!
2. Checking levels:
Fluids such as gas, brake fluid, and coolant should all be checked and topped off if low. If there is remaining gas in the tank from the previous season, it’s suggested that the tank be drained and filled up with fresh gas.
3. Evaluating the engine:
Checking that carburetors are clean is important as dirty ones are the main cause of engine failure. Also, snowmobilers should make sure that the throttle, oil cables, fan, and water pump belt are in good condition and without cracks.
4. Examining the skis:
Since skis are one of the most important pieces of the snowmobile, they should be checked not only for any holes, cuts, or gouges but to ensure that the runners are aligned straight!
5. Cleaning it up:
Dirt, salt, leaves, and other debris are all commonly found on snowmobiles coming out of storage. Most of it can probably be cleaned off with water and mild cleansers. However, where a deeper cleaning may be needed or desired, it can be done at a local shop or car wash.
All these steps are equally important when preparing the snowmobile for storage at the end of the season. But in the meantime, get out and enjoy the snow while you can!
Call Flathead Insurance at (406) 752-8000 in Montana, or (208) 667-7485 in Idaho or visit our website at https://www.flatheadinsurance.com/ to discuss your insurance needs. We can provide coverage from many insurance carriers so you receive the right insurance for your budget and needs!
*** 𝑊𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑜𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑠 𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝐾𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑙𝑙, 𝑀𝑇 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶𝑜𝑒𝑢𝑟 𝑑’𝐴𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑒, 𝐼𝐷. 𝐵𝑢𝑡, 𝑤𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑠𝑜 𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑒: 𝐶𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑖𝑎 𝐹𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑠, 𝑊ℎ𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑠ℎ, 𝐵𝑖𝑔𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑘, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑃𝑜𝑙𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑀𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑎; 𝐻𝑎𝑦𝑑𝑒𝑛, 𝑃𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝐹𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑠, 𝑅𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑑𝑟𝑢𝑚, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑆𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝑖𝑛 𝐼𝑑𝑎ℎ𝑜; 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐿𝑖𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑦 𝐿𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑆𝑝𝑜𝑘𝑎𝑛𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑊𝑎𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑡𝑜𝑛.
Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/how-to-prepare-your-snowmobile-for-winter.asp