Snowmobile Pre-Season Checklist

When winter arrives, it’s tempting to put the snowmobile on a trailer and rush out to the trails. But before taking your snow-machine for the first ride of the season, follow this snowmobile pre-season checklist.

Snowmobile tracks wear down over time and need replacement.

Check the Track

Some amount of sag in the track is good. But your owner’s manual will provide details about the correct track tension and how to adjust. It’s a good idea to invest in a tension measurement tool. Stock sleds will likely need to be adjusted a few times per season.

When you get out on the trail, does your sled make a ratcheting noise under load? When you give it full throttle, do you hear other noises? Those sounds also indicate a need to adjust the tension.

Meanwhile, the track should last through several seasons. Check for fraying on the edges, which can be caused by dry rot during storage. Any sign of missing chunks or tears can suggest a need to replace the track.

If you are missing any lugs, ensure that a large divot of track didn’t also disappear. If enough lugs wear out, performance could be affected. That’s another reason to replace the track.

Hyfax Health

A hyfax, or slider, is a rigid plastic strip attached between the slide rail and the track. eBay offers a wide selection.

The purpose of the hyfax is to protect the rails from wear from the track. Instead of affecting your rails, it’s the hyfax that wears out.

eBay sells new and used hyfax slide runners

You don’t necessarily have to change the hyfax every season. But if you ride on ice or in low-snow conditions, it’s more likely that your hyfax will be worn out. Also, if your track runs tight on the rear skid, it will increase wear.

Fortunately, a hyfax comes with a “wear line” on its side. The line runs the entire length of the slider. One glance at the wear line will tell you if it needs replacement.

Ski Guide for Snowmobile Trailers

Snowmobile Trailer Safety

Do you trailer your toys to the snow? Then you should confirm that your trailer is in good shape.

The tires should not be cracked or missing tread. Make sure to maintain proper tire pressure for heavy loads. See: “Winter Tires Save Lives.”

All tie-downs should be secure and rust-free. Check out your straps and make sure they haven’t suffered any abrasions or partial tears. Check all the lights and wiring on the trailer as well.

Consider adding a ski guide/slider to the trailer bed to allow for easier on and offloading of that heavy snowmobile. The guide allows the snowmobile to smoothly enter and exit a trailer by reducing friction. It simulates a slick patch of ice so there’s little or no resistance.

The Health of the Snowmobile Engine, Electrical and Air Filter

Inspecting your engine and related systems is an essential step in the snowmobile pre-season checklist. It’s like a list within a list.

• Spray degreaser on oily or greasy spots and check for loose or missing bolts.
• If you fogged the engine at the end of the season with oil, you should run the engine for at least five to 10 minutes at varying throttle positions. That will clear out the oil. (Fogging refers to using an anticorrosive that protects the carburetor’s internal surfaces and the cylinders.)
• Carburetors are a prime source of engine issues on the trails. So consider cleaning out the carburetor and the power valves. Check your owner’s manual for instructions.
• Are all the lights functioning? Does the safety cut-off work as intended. Look at all exposed wiring and make sure that the insulation hasn’t chafed or been exposed.
• Check your exhausts and other openings for a free flow of air. Also, take a look for signs of critters. We suggest placing a bright-red shop rag in all the openings at the end of a season. That should keep creatures out during the off-season.
• Clean or replace the air filter.

Snowmobile Fuel Quality

Hopefully, you filled up your tank with a fuel stabilizer at the end of last year’s season. If not, we recommend that you drain the old fuel—and clean out the carburetor and lines.

If you topped off the fuel, check to see that there are no signs of leaks. In that case, you’ll need to investigate the source.

It’s a good idea to take a whiff of the fuel, as well. If you smell something like old milk or varnish, then the gasoline might be stale or otherwise deteriorated. That’s another reason to drain the old fuel and start fresh.

Snowmobile Tool Kits

Snowmobile manufacturers usually offer a simple repair kit. But there are a few extra tools that come in handy for this snowmobile pre-season checklist and beyond.

eBay offers many affordable snowmobile repair kits. Pick one up to ensure you’re ready for any necessary repairs—before they happen.

Fly Racing Touchscreen Ski Snowmobile Gloves

Snowmobile Attire and Safety Gear

After completing the snowmobile pre-season checklist, your machine should be in good shape. But what about you and other riders?

Are your gloves still in good shape? Are your goggles free of scratches? Sometimes clothes “shrink” during the off-season (and our shape can change too). Make sure everything fits. Getting a new set of overalls can make it feel like you’re riding a brand new snowmobile.

See Polaris Snowmobiles for sale on eBay.