5 storage tips to protect your snowmobile for next winter

Before putting your snowmobile into storage after a season of sledding, discover what you can do to maintain your machine for next winter.

In storage, your snowmobile will be subjected to heat, which can affect durability and cause chemical activity throughout your sled. If you store your machine properly, you can prevent its parts from failing over the summer months.

It’s always a good idea to give your snowmobile a full cleaning and polish before you put it into storage. If you have a power-washer, use it to clean any dirt and grease off the machine. Once it’s dry, look for any signs of damage. If you spot damage, you should repair or replace the broken parts before putting it away. Always make sure your sled is completely dry before storing it to prevent rust.

To get oil circulating through your machine, start the engine and pull the oil pump cable fully. Leave it running for 15 minutes and it will lubricate the internal engine parts of your snowmobile. When you’re done, make sure you have a full tank of gas, and add a fuel stabilizer to preserve the fuel. This will limit the air space in the tank, and prevent heavy oxidization of the fuel.

Removing the drive belt will prevent it from stretching or deforming over the winter months, but if you notice significant wear when you remove it, you should replace it with a fresh one when you take it out of storage. Another thing you should remove is the battery. Charge it up fully, disconnect it, and store it safely indoors. This will prevent any troule starting up your sled next winter.

Does your sled have a removable seat? It’s a good idea to store it indoors and apply a vinyl protectant to keep it looking great. Be sure to cover any exposed openings, such as the space under the seat if you removed it, the exhaust pipe, and the air intake. You don’t want insects or rats to make your snowmobile their winter home.

Lastly, apply anti-rust paint to bare metal areas on the skis, and the wear bars. Put boards under the skis and track and cover with a breathable tarp.

These steps will ensure that your sled will start up and run well next winter. If you properly maintain your machine, it will reward you with years of trouble-free use.