Pre-Season Snowmobile Maintenance Checklist | 12 Must-Dos

What's your pre-season snowmobile maintenance checklist? Have you checked and maintained your snowmobile rightly before the snow days?

As the snow starts to blanket the landscape, snowmobiles become popular in the next few months. Many snowmobile enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the thrill of riding through winter wonderlands. But, before hitting the trails, it's crucial to ensure your snowmobile is in top condition.

Proper pre-season maintenance for your snowmobile is essential. It not only enhances your snowmobile's performance, but also ensures safety, longevity, and reliability.

Now, we have compiled a comprehensive checklist for your pre-season snowmobile maintenance. It will guide you through the essential steps to prepare your snowmobile for the season.

Pre-Season Snowmobile Maintenance Checklist - What To Do?

1. Thorough Cleaning

A clean snowmobile is easier to inspect and maintain. This way you can clearly see the parts that need maintenance and care.

Because dirt and grime can hide potential problems that are not easy to see. The following are some things you need to pay special attention to:

• First, clean the outside of the snowmobile with a mild detergent and water. Those areas that are prone to dirt accumulation need special attention and it is best to clean them all.
• The second is to clean the chassis. Check and clean any debris or mud from under the snowmobile. Don't let the mud blind you, otherwise you may not be able to easily see the problems with your snowmobile chassis.
• After cleaning, let the snowmobile dry completely to prevent rust and corrosion. You can use a soft cloth to wipe off the water on the snowmobile. You can also use a snowmobile dryer to speed up the drying process.

2. Inspect the Engine

Inspect the snowmobile engine - Pre-Season Snowmobile Maintenance Checklist (Source: Snowmobile World)

The engine is the heart of the snowmobile. This is the part I check the most during my daily snowmobile maintenance.

You don’t want to have an engine failure in the middle of your next snowmobile ride, right? Because you’ll be left in the snow and freezing. So, checking the engine regularly can prevent problems during a ride.

In addition, if the engine is properly maintained and serviced, it can save you a lot of expensive repairs later.

There are four areas you need to pay special attention to:

• Oil level: Make sure the oil level is at the recommended level. Check the coolant level and the engine oil. If necessary, top up both or completely drain and replace the thin engine oil.
• Spark plugs: Remove and inspect the spark plugs to make sure they are functioning properly. Clean or replace them as needed.
• Fuel system: Check for any leaks or damage. Remember to replace old fuel with fresh gasoline.
• Air filter: Clean or replace the air filter to ensure optimal air intake.

3. Examine the Drive Belt

examine the snowmobile drive belt (Source: Ski-Doo)

The drive belt is vital to power transmission, so don't overlook it. Because it's also an important part of your snowmobile, a preseason inspection of the belt is essential. A worn or deformed belt can cause performance issues to your snowmobile.

Here are the main procedures:

• Visual Inspection: Check the belt for cracks, wear, or signs of wear and deformation.
• Tension Check: Check the drive belt for loose cords or defects. Make sure the belt tension is correct. Adjust them if necessary.
• Cleaning: If the drive belt is glazed, you can use a scuff pad to remove it.
• Replacement: If the belt is badly worn, replace it with a new one. Also, run the sled for a few minutes after replacement and observe the belt's operation.

4. Assess the Suspension System

the Ski-Doo snowmobile suspension system

A well-functioning suspension system ensures a smooth ride and better handling. Therefore, you can't leave the suspension system off your pre-season snowmobile maintenance checklist.

Darrin Harr is a meteorologist and snowmobile enthusiast. In his snowmobile blog, he specifically recommends that snowmobile owners carefully check the rear suspension of the sled. Because the rear suspension takes the lion’s share of abuse on your snowmobile, it is the most prone to problems.

See what you need to look out for:

• Lower the suspension and check if it raises on its own. If it doesn't, the shock absorber or spring is faulty or not lubricated enough.
• Watch the suspension arms and springs for cracks or signs of damage. Replace them if necessary.
• Inspect the suspension for wear and listen for any unusual sounds or excessive shaking.
• Check the rear wheel of the snowmobile for dents or deformation. Also, check that the front wheel has a good stabilizer bar and the steering rod is straight.

5. Check Clutch

The clutch usually works with the accelerator and brakes. When performing a pre-season maintenance check on your snowmobile, pay attention to the clutch as well. Pay attention to the following details:

• Inspect the clutch for wear or damage and replace it immediately if necessary.
• Pay attention to the clutch pulley. If necessary, clean and scrub the clutch pulley with an abrasive pad.
• Engage the clutch to ensure that it is functioning properly.
• During a short test drive, pay attention to whether the clutch is working properly.

6. Brake System Inspection

snowmobile brake system inspect - Don't forget it when doing pre-season snowmobile maintenance

A reliable brake system is essential for safety on the road. There is nothing more frustrating than pulling the brake lever on your snowmobile and the vehicle doesn't respond. Therefore, a brake system inspection must be included in your snowmobile checklist.

Here are the details to pay special attention to:

• Brake pads: Watch for any signs of damage or wear. If worn, replace them in time.
• Brake lines: Check for leaks or cracks. Make sure they are securely connected.
• Brake fluid: Make sure your brake fluid level is up to standard. Observe the color of the brake fluid (it should not be dark brown, otherwise you may need to clean and refill the brake fluid). If necessary, top up the brake fluid and make sure there are no leaks. In addition, the brake fluid also needs to be changed regularly. Dirty brake fluid can corrode the brake system and affect the good operation of the snowmobile.

7. Track Examination

a man is doing a snowmobile track examination during the snowmobile maintenance check

Track inspection is a must on your pre-season snowmobile checklist. Tracks provide traction, and any damage can affect performance and safety.

Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the tracks when you maintain your snowmobile.

For track inspection and maintenance, follow these steps:

• Visual inspection: Look for any hooks, tears, punctures, and missing contours.
• Tension adjustment: Lift the rear of the snowmobile and use a tension gauge to check the deflection of the track. Different types of snowmobiles may have different track tension recommendations. Overall, make sure the track is properly tensioned and aligned.
• Secure: If the track is bent too much, it needs to be tightened. Also, check all staples to make sure they are installed.
• Lubricate: Lubricate the suspension wheels and axles.
• Verify: Check that both sides of the track are evenly aligned. If not, it is easy to wear the track and accessories prematurely.

8. Electrical System Check

The electrical system powers important components like lights and ignition on your snowmobile. So it's important to check this part of your pre-season snowmobile checklist.

Overall, check and make sure the cables are moving freely. Don't let them get stuck or tangled together, which can make it difficult to inspect, repair, or replace them later.

The following electrical systems need a close inspection:

• Battery: Make sure it's fully charged and the terminals are clean.
• Ignition: Check for proper function and signs of wear. If it's abnormal or worn, replace it with a new one.
• Lights: Test all lights (headlights, taillights, and indicators) to make sure they're working properly.

9. Ski and Runner Inspection

Sharpening the snowmobile carbides - Pre-season snowmobile maintenance

Properly functioning skis and rails ensure good handling and stability. It is also an important factor in whether you can get the best skiing experience. During snowmobile maintenance, you should carefully check them to determine whether they are in good condition.

Here are the main parts you need to inspect:

• Ski Condition: Check the surface of the skis for cracks or damage. Make sure they are firmly fixed.
• Wear bars: Check how much cutting edge is left on the wear bars. If the wear is serious, they need to be replaced. If the rails are bent, twisted, or parts are missing, replace them.
• Carbides: While examining the skis, remember to check how much cutting edge your carbides have left. If they are flattened off, then it is necessary to replace them.
• Alignment: Make sure the skis are not misaligned. Aligned skis ensure that you have the best control.

10. Control System Assessment

For a safe and enjoyable ride, control systems must be responsive. These systems will help you stay on top of your snowmobile when you encounter any situation. Therefore, you need to carefully evaluate your snowmobile's control system to ensure that it is always under control the next time you ride.

Pay attention to the following control systems:

• Throttle: Make sure it moves smoothly and does not get stuck when you apply or release the throttle. Check that the throttle cable opens and closes correctly. Also, pay attention to whether it returns to its original position when you release the throttle.
• Handlebars: Check for looseness or damage. Make sure the handlebars can swing smoothly from side to side.
• Cables: Check for wear and lubricate for smooth operation.

11. Check Safety Gear

Safety gear is essential to protecting yourself on the trails. Anyway, checking your safety gear is also part of your pre-season snowmobile maintenance. It will keep you safe before your next snowmobile trip, which could be as early as next month.

Some safety gear are especially important and need to pay attention to:

• Snowmobile Helmet: Inspect for any damage. Make sure it fits properly.
• Snowmobile communication system: Make sure your snowmobile intercom works in good condition. Remember to check its battery and make sure it is fully charged.
• Protective Clothing: Check for wear and tear. Ensure it provides adequate protection.
• Emergency Kit: Stock your kit with essentials like a first-aid kit, flashlight, and tools.

Prepare Snowmobile Helmet Communication System for Your Next Ride

While you are checking the safety gear, you can also check all the snowmobile must-haves. Always make them ready, then you can start your next snowmobile ride at any time you want.

12. Final Test Run

To be honest, even if you check all of the above, you may not be able to find some problem spots. Therefore, a test run is necessary during pre-season snowmobile maintenance. This will help you identify any problems that may have been overlooked.

During the test run, you need to pay attention to the following aspects:

• Take a short ride: Find a safe area and take a short ride on the snowmobile.
• Listen and feel: Pay attention to its sound and handling. Some problems can be distinguished from the sound, shaking and some other handling feelings.
• Adjust: Make any necessary adjustments based on your riding experience.

Conclusion 

Prepare your snowmobile for winter season with a thorough maintenance check before the next ride.

Need a thorough snowmobile maintenance check before the next ride? The pre-season snowmobile maintenance checklist in this article will help you!

These tips will ensure you a safer and more enjoyable experience on the trails.

By following this checklist, you can minimize the risk of mechanical failures of your snowmobile. At the same time, they also help you maximize your snowmobile's performance.

Remember, regular maintenance is necessary. It not only extends the life of your snowmobile but also enhances your safety and riding pleasure.

Get your snowmobile ready now, and make sure it is ready for the adventures ahead. Let's embrace the winter season with confidence!

Richard R

With over 10 years of experience working on cars and trucks Item Training Supervisor Richard Reina is known around the office as one of our technical experts & real an "automobile person".

His rate of interest began, in his very own words, "at the age of two when his father educated him the distinction in between a Chevy and a Ford. Since then it's been cars regularly."

As a serious lover of practically all things with a motor Richard can address nearly any kind of inquiry related to car upkeep, fixing, or restoration & is a fact professional in electric motor background.