Keeping Your Snowmobile In The Best Shape: Maintenance Tips
Proactive snowmobile maintenance will keep your sled running smoothly and staying out of the service shop. While there are some tasks best left to the professionals, there are plenty of maintenance projects you can tackle. We've created the following guide to keeping your snowmobile in good shape. If you want more strategies or need to take your sled to a service shop, visit the experts at 2Brothers Powersports, located in Onalaska, Wisconsin.
1. Consult The Owner's Manual
A great place to start is reviewing your snowmobile's owner's manual. This will cover specific tasks you'll need to do as well as specific product recommendations. After all, who knows your sled better than the company who built it?
As you peruse through the various tasks, you will want to build out a maintenance schedule. Tasks vary in how often they need to be performed, so making a schedule helps you keep track of them all.
2. Check The Fluid Levels
Just like with any other type of vehicle, you will want to check your sled's fluid levels as well as the condition of the fluids. This includes checking the radiator fluid, oil, and fuel. Your owner's manual will tell you how often to do this check. While you are at it, give a glance over the oil and fuel filters.
3. Inspect The Drive Belt Or Chain
The drive belt or chain helps keep your snowmobile engine running smooth, so be sure to check it every so often for any signs of damage. You'll also want to check its level of tension. It shouldn't be too tight or too loose.
4. Clean The Snowmobile
As you cruise around on the open trail, your snowmobile will begin to get covered in grime. This gunk is more than an eyesore. If left too long, the caked-on muck can start to cause damage to your sled's exterior. Make sure you clean your snowmobile every so often to prevent this build-up. When your snowmobile is not in use, be sure to keep it covered to help prevent more gunk from getting on it.
5. Keep The Parts Lubricated
It's important that all your snowmobile's moving parts stay well-lubricated. This involves the front and rear suspension, steering components, and drivetrain. Remember to grease the bearings as well so that they don't fail during your ride.
6. Care For The Track & Skis
There are a few steps you'll want to take to ensure your snowmobile's track and skis are well-maintained.
- First, make sure the track stays aligned on your sled. You can align the track, then loosen one of the rear-axle bolts to get the track tension adjusted just right. To check the alignment, sit on the seat and move the handlebars to measure the distance from the bar end to a point on the chassis. This measurement should end up being the same, so adjust it if it is not.
- Next, you will want to check the carbides and replace them when needed. These are the protrusions at the bottom of your skis and they help you steer. When they get worn down, remember to replace them.
In Closing
We hope you found this snowmobile maintenance guide helpful. If you uncover a task that is beyond your experience level, take your snowmobile to the parts replacement and service department at 2Brothers Powersports. We can get your sled ready for the trail in no time. We are located in Onalaska, Wisconsin. We also proudly serve those in Madison, Eau Claire, and La Crosse, Wisconsin.
