Snowmobile Maintenance Tips

Snowmobile Maintenance Tips #2

With the snow starting to come down and inches of powder in our future, it’s time to pull out your snowmobile and get it ready for winter. Whether it's a fun, recreational machine you use, or you primarily use it as a means to travel around town when the roads are covered, a snowmobile is a great investment, but also a big responsibility. If you want to keep using it, you’ll need to take good care of it. That’s why True North has provided some maintenance tips so you can get your sled ready for winter and keep it running. 

Planning Ahead of Time

Having a plan in place can help you stay organized and on top of your maintenance routine. You’ll want to take note of how often you need to perform some of these tasks, as well as how often you should take your sled into the shop. This can be particularly helpful now, as the cold weather ramps up, and snowmobile mechanics begin to get busier. If you plan ahead and pick an earlier date to check your model, you won’t be fighting with as many other sled owners to get your machine fixed.

You’ll also want to spend some time reviewing your owner’s manual. We can provide you with some general tips, but the best information for your specific model will come from the manufacturer themselves.

Bonus tip: you might want to tip your sled on its side to make some of these checks easier. Just remember to gently place it on something soft so you don’t scratch one side of the machine.

Fluid Levels

As with any motorized machine, you’ll need to keep track of fluid levels and condition. This should include oil, fuel, radiator fluid, and more. Check manufacturer recommendations to figure out how often this should happen. Don’t forget to also check some of the filters, like oil and fuel, while you’re at it.

Drive Belt or Chain

Your belt or chain plays an important role in a well-functioning engine, so make sure you’re inspecting them regularly for signs of damage or wear. You’ll also want to make sure it comes with the right tension, making sure the chain isn’t too tight or too loose.

Cleaning and Greasing

Of course, one of the easiest ways to care for your snowmobile is to simply keep it clean. Wash it regularly, or at least as often as the weather allows, and keep all dirt and grime from building up and damaging the inner workings of the sled. You can also prevent dirt from building up by keeping the sled covered when it’s not in use, especially when you’re transporting it to another location.

Keeping all the moving parts well lubricated is also an easy way to keep it working properly. This should include the front and rear suspension, steering components, and the drivetrain. You’ll also want to grease the bearings so they don’t fail in the middle of a ride.

Track and Skis

The track and skis are a unique area of snowmobile ownership that you might not be as familiar with. First, you’ll want to keep the track aligned so your sled operates properly. Align the track, then loosen one of the rear-axle bolts to adjust the track tension.

Check the alignment by sitting on the seat and moving the handlebars to measure the distance from the bar end to a particular point on the chassis. This measurement should be the same, so adjust as needed.

You’ll also want to check the carbides and replace them as necessary. These are the protrusions from the bottom of your skis, which help with steering and preventing wear. If you notice the carbides are worn down, you’ll simply want to replace them. Don’t put this off, since replacing the carbides can be a little expensive, but you’ll be looking at a serious bill to replace the skis.

These are just a few ways you can keep your snowmobile in tip-top shape, but one way to make some of your tougher problems a little easier is to have a trusted mechanic and service department you can call when the going gets rough.