Snowmobile Summer Storage Tips

How to Protect Your Snowmobile This Summer

The snow is melting and the sun is going down a little later each day. Snowmobile riders know exactly what this means – it’s time to put your vehicle away. Of course, you can’t simply just drop your snowmobile in a shed. There are important steps you need to take to ensure that your vehicle will remain in top condition while it is in storage. Don’t make the mistake of ignoring your snowmobile this summer. Consider the tips below, and you’ll ensure that your vehicle will be in top condition when it’s time to ride again.

READ MORE: Snowmobile Riding Safety Tips

Steps You Need to Take Before Putting Your Snowmobile Away

Dump Old Oil and Add Fuel Stabilizer

First, you’re going to empty your sled’s oil, as it has probably collected a ton of dirt and particles over time. Then, you should add some stabilizer to the empty tank. Fuel stabilizer is an important tool for any seasonal vehicle. Without it, fuel can go bad as it sits in your vehicle. To prepare your snowmobile for summer, pour the amount indicated on the stabilizer’s container into your vehicle.

Replace Old Oil with Fresh Oil

Now that you’ve added a bit of fuel stabilizer, it’s time to fill the tank with fresh oil. You should give it a quick shake and run it for a couple of minutes to allow the stabilizer to spread throughout the fuel. By doing this, you’ll reduce plenty of risks. In storage, an empty tank can face condensation and low humidity, which can damage the seals and gas gauge.

Wash and Rinse

There’s no better time to clean your snowmobile than the end of winter. The end of the season brings slush and mud to roads, which then leave your vehicle covered in dirt. Not only does this look bad, but it could harm your vehicle’s integrity. That’s because road salt is corrosive against metals, like those in your vehicle.

Wash your vehicle with soap and water, and consider using a finishing product for added shine. You may choose to spray metal surfaces with a cleaner designed to treat those areas. When fall begins, use a light degreaser as a final touch before hitting the trails again.

Fog the Engine

Of course, you want to protect your snowmobile from engine failure. Adding some fogging oil to the engine is your best defense. It will protect your vehicle’s parts from air and moisture that will otherwise lead to corrosion.

Here’s a quick guide on how to fog your engine:

● Spray fogging oil into the engine while it runs

● Make sure each cylinder receives some oil

● Turn the engine off

● Remove spark plugs temporarily to let oil in

You may also consider running your engine for a few minutes every few weeks.

Drain the Carburetor

Taking care of the fuel in the carburetor is another important step. If you don’t drain out the fuel, it might evaporate and create a grimy layer that will get stuck in the vehicle’s passageways.

Lube the Chassis

It’s important to keep moisture out of your chassis. Otherwise, it will get stuck in the shafts and tubes. To stop this from happening, pump grease into the snowmobile’s grease fittings – these are also known as zerks. There could be any amount of grease fittings on your snowmobile, so make sure you look around with a flashlight to find them all. There’s no way to overdo this step, so add as much grease as necessary.

Remove the Battery and Store It Properly

When fall comes and it’s time to bring out your snowmobile again, you won’t want your battery to be empty or worn down. Thus, the battery should be stored separately from the rest of your vehicle. Make sure to keep it away from sunlight or extreme temperatures of any kind. A cool, dry place should suffice. You may also choose to use a battery tender, which can keep the battery’s charge running until you’re ready to use your vehicle.

Find a Storage Spot and Cover It

You’ve reached the final step – it’s time to put your snowmobile away. The way you store your snowmobile makes a huge difference, so don’t fall into the trap of carelessly storing your vehicle.

Some of the most common mistakes people make include:

● Keeping the vehicle in their yard, with a tarp placed over it

● Storing the vehicle in a shed with a cold, concrete floor

● Choosing not to use a cover

If you aren’t careful, your snowmobile might suffer at the hands of the humid weather that summer provides. When this happens, moisture can latch onto your vehicle and it will face corrosion. You should store your vehicle in a dry place, like in a garage. Make sure you put a designated covering over your vehicle to protect it from moisture and pests. You may also choose to place the chassis on an elevated surface.

When fall comes around and you’re ready to shred the trails with your snowmobile, you’ll be happy to see that your vehicle is in top condition. The tips above shouldn’t take too long, and the effects they have will be more than worth it.