There’s nothing worse than breaking down in the middle of a snowmobile ride. Dealing with small maintenance issues on the trail can be a drag as well. Thankfully, if you take the right maintenance steps ahead of time, then you’ll be able to ride with much more confidence. Plus, you will also extend the life of your machine and get better fuel economy to boot. Keep these tips in mind to help your snowmobile stay in top trail shape.

Regularly Change the Oil and Fuel Filters

The oil and fuel filters on modern machines can last a long time before needing replacement, but they do get clogged eventually. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to access and change these filters to keep your snowmobile operating smoothly.

Apply Fresh Grease

Ideally, you should grease up your snowmobile’s chassis after every ride, but doing it at least a few times over the season is a must. Make sure you get all of the steering components, the front suspension, the rear suspension, and the drivetrain.

Inspect the Sliders

Sliders, or hyfax, are the slippery surfaces attached to the bottom of the suspension rails that the track slides against. Riding on worn sliders can lead to irreparable damage to the track and rails, so check them on a regular basis and replace them if there is only about 1/8 inch of material left. In fact, it can be a good idea to start each season with a fresh set.

Inspect the Carbides

The cutting carbides underneath each bar ensure that your snowmobile can properly cut through the trail surface. Over time, the carbide can lose its sharp edge and become bent, cracked, or warped, impacting your ability to control your snowmobile. Inspect your carbides regularly and sharpen or replace them as needed.

Check the Tail and Brake Lights

Tail and brake lights are important for keeping you safe on the trail, allowing other riders to see what your machine is doing. Before heading out for a ride, simply start your snowmobile, activate the lights, and replace any bulbs if they have burnt out.

Keep It Clean

Keeping your snowmobile nice and clean is the easiest way to prevent the buildup of rust and corrosion of the various metal parts in the machine. Make it a habit to clean your snowmobile after every ride so that you wash away any oil, grease, and snow salt it may have collected during your travels. You should also cover your snowmobile while in transport to keep road grime at bay. Transporting it in an enclosed trailer is best.

Store It Away Properly

When it’s time to put your snowmobile away for the season, give it one final, thorough cleaning and make sure that it completely dries. You should also grease the drivetrain and the suspension systems, add a stabilizer to the fuel tank, and remove the battery so that it doesn’t lose its charge. Finally, invest in a good cover if you don’t have one already to keep dirt and dust from settling on it while in storage.

By taking proper care of your snowmobile during the season and after riding season is done, you can ensure it remains in good condition for a long time to come. Your machine represents an investment, so any time and effort put into keeping it in shape are well worth it.