Snowmobile storage tips

When it’s time to put your snowmobile into storage for the summer, here are a few things you can do to help protect and prepare it for the next riding season. Remember to check your owner’s manual for storage tips specific to your sled.

Things to consider before snowmobile storage

• Where will you store your snowmobile? Do you have a garage, storage shed, or other location?
• How much are you willing to spend on snowmobile storage?
• Can you prep your sled for storage yourself or do you need to take it in for maintenance?

Prepping for summer snowmobile storage

• Contact your insurance agent to review your riding history and make sure you have the appropriate amount of snowmobile insurance.
• Make any necessary repairs.
• Clean, wax, and oil your snowmobile to help prevent corrosion.
• There are two paths regarding fuel systems – drain the fuel tank, or fill the tank and add a fuel stabilizer. Consult your owner’s manual for your manufacturer’s recommendation.
• Fog the engine. Check your owner’s manual for the correct way to do this for your specific sled.
• After you fog the engine, you can drain the carburetors of fuel.
• Clean or replace the air filter.
• Remove the drive belt and lay it on a flat surface.
• Clean and lubricate the chassis with an all-temperature grease.
• Spray a lightweight oil on all-bare metal surfaces and add grease to all the zerk fittings.
• Cover all openings, like the exhaust, intake, and cooling intake, to prevent moisture or critters from entering.
• If the snowmobile will not be used and you remove the battery, store it in a cool, dry place safely away from children. Keeping it charged, or on a trickle charger, will maintain the battery.
• Store in a dry location and, if possible, lift your sled off the ground. Also, reduce the track tension if recommended by your manufacturer.
• Cover your snowmobile with a breathable cloth.

Alternative solutions to putting your sled to bed

While the list above is solid advice for prepping your sled for summer storage, there are a couple of alternatives from caproskis.net. But as always, consult your owner’s manual or talk to your dealer for the best choice for your sled.

• Should you start your snowmobile in the summer? Some like to start their sled for two or three minutes once a month. This can keep crucial cooling areas free of sediment, and can help keep engine seals from drying out.
• Should you fog your snowmobile engine? If you park your sled in April and don’t touch it again until November, fogging the engine is a good idea. If you start your sled once a month as mentioned above, fogging isn’t as important. Consult your owner’s manual on how to fog your snowmobile’s engine, if needed.

Before you take your snowmobile out of storage and onto the trails again, be sure to talk with your insurance agent to make sure you have the appropriate snowmobile insurance, like the coverage offered by State Farm^®.