There are some folks that are already missing the summer weather and talking about heading south to Florida or other southern states.
We refer to those people as SNOWBIRDS. Then there are individuals that can’t wait for the temperatures to drop and have the snow that accompanies that cold weather. We refer to those people as SNOWMOBILERS.

When there’s enough snow, I have friends that are so excited to hit the trails that they jump on their snowmobile and go. Then when the trails close, they just put their sleds in storage and walk away. A few of those people had issues and needed assistance on the trails that could have been prevented.

Unfortunately, there is no serious amount of snow in the near future for northern Wisconsin. So, what to do until we get the 4 to 6 inches of PACKED SNOW in order for the trails to be in ridable condition?  Well, our sleds have been sitting for over 8 months and by performing a pre-season tune-up and some basic maintenance before hitting the trails you can avoid mechanical issues on the trails like the few of my friends I mentioned above did.

A lot of snowmobilers will start by looking for any damage from last year. I get that, but I’m pretty sure you would have known if you had any issues while riding last winter and fixed them. Well, go ahead and look anyways, I guess. LOL. So, while we wait for the snow to fall, maybe take a look at these items.

SKIS– I would start by taking a good look at the ski for proper alignment, wear, cracks or rough spots. Then inspect the carbides on the bottom of the skis and make sure they are not worn down. This can affect handling (control) of the sled.
SUSPENSION – Apply grease (check your owner’s manual) to all fittings. Make sure to use grease designed for cold weather. Look at the shocks bushings, make sure the shocks are not loose and not leaking fluid.
TRACK– Check for wear, rips or tears, missing lugs. Look at the track alignment and proper tension. Make sure it’s not rubbing on the tunnel. While you are looking at the track, check idler or bogey wheels, making sure they rotate smoothly and look at HYFAX and replace if needed.
BRAKES– Check brake fluid level. Inspect break disc, and pads for wear.

NOW UNDER THE COWLING

PLUGS– REPLACE WITH NEW SPARK PLUGS.
BATTERY– Check voltage and clean terminals.
RECOIL ROPE– These are a back-up method for stating and/or better than a starter in cold weather, so check the rope for any frays or wear. I have seen these ropes break due to old age, so if you have an older snowmobile, I suggest the rope be replaced.
DRIVE BELT– Look for any wear or loose cords and proper tension. Also have a backup.

CHAIN CASE– Oil changed if equipped.
CARBURETOR– Inspect fuel lines for leaks, and make sure they are not rubbing on anything. Check choke and throttle cables and vent lines.
CLUTCH– The primary clutch should be cleaned and checked for cracks and wear as should the secondary clutch.
COOLANT OR FAN COOLED– For liquid cooled, check hose and clamps, heat exchanger. Fan cooled- inspect fins and shrouds.
EXHAUST– Look for cracks, rust/corrosion and make sure the muffler is secured properly.

HANDLEBARS– CHECK the operation of ignition switch. Make sure all lights, (brake, high and low beams) are functioning properly. Fuel gauge works and is correct. Choke works. Throttle operates correctly. All heater controls work.

For those who stay and enjoy our winters, get the sleds ready and then, HOPE FOR A LOT OF SNOW