As we prepare to bid winter a fond farewell, it’s essential to make sure you put all your toys and gear away appropriately. An excellent way to tell if it is time to put everything up is if more mud and dirt is on the trails than snow. That signals that it’s time to start getting your snowmobile ready for its long summer nap. Here are some tips for properly preparing your snowmobile for storage to help ensure it’s in good shape for next winter.
Washing
Towards the end of the season, as the snow starts to melt, your snowmobile can pick up quite a bit of mud, slush, and road salt on the trails. This build-up of moisture and salt is a recipe for corrosion and is not something to leave until next winter. Keep your paint and parts rust-free by using warm, soapy water and a sponge to clean your snowmobile thoroughly, making sure you clean under the hood and get into every nook and cranny. For the outside, use a high-pressure washer to clean off the track, runners, and suspension. Once everything is clean and dry, apply a coat of wax to extend the life of your snowmobile parts and make it easier to clean in the future.
Clean the Cover
Before covering your snowmobile, pop the cover in the washing machine. A clean cover will help to maintain the cleanliness of your machine through the summer months.
Don’t Drain the Tank/Stabilize the Fuel
While you may think it is a good idea to drain the fuel tank before putting up for the season, the truth is you need the fuel to keep the engine parts lubricated and protected.
There is a caveat to this, however. You want to add a fuel stabilizer to your tank to prevent fuel degrading and engine part corrosion. Make sure to run the engine after you add the stabilizer, so the fuel works its way through your whole system.
Lubricate the Grease Fittings
Prevent moisture from getting it and creating rust by adding grease to any point with a grease fitting, making sure that the fitting is full. For exposed surfaces, such as suspension rails, exhaust, nuts, and the like, use WD-40 or similar lightweight oil. Be sure not to get any on the clutch or belts.
Don’t forget about your other gear!
- Skiing Equipment: Be sure to safely pad your skis and store them away from any other heavy equipment. If you have rafters in your shed cords to secure them to the wall, that is the most ideal.
- Snowboards and Sleds: Never leave them outside. Not only are you risking them being stolen, but the elements will not be kind to a snowboard or sled over a long period.
- Snowmobile: If you cannot store your snowmobile in the garage, an enclosed shed is the next best place. Give it a good cleaning, and then be sure to keep it covered through the next few months, too!
- Ice Skates: Be very careful when putting these away. Do not store these anywhere precarious, as their sharp edges mean an accident is waiting to happen if you are not cautious in putting these away.
- Winter Gear: All of the winter gear that you won’t use or wear over the next few months should be kept in one spot. If you have room, keep an extra dresser or reserve closet space for all of your winter belongings, making them easier to dig up when it gets cold again.
Insure your Snowmobile Before Hitting the Trails
Be sure your snowmobile has the proper insurance coverage before you partake in all the winter fun. Don’t assume you have coverage on your home or auto policy because you don’t! Give our experts a call today at 860-684-5270 or click here.
