Now’s the Time to Make Sure Your Snowmobile is Ready for Winter
It’s that time again! Bring your snowmobile out of hibernation and put it to good use. Before taking it out for a spin, there are some preparations to take to ensure that everything is in working order. While you should always refer to the owner’s manual for general maintenance, cleaning, and repairs, there is a standard set of operations and a variety of things you can do to make sure that your winter ride is ready for fun.
First and foremost, consult a New Mexico insurance agency to make sure you and your investment remain protected with a personal insurance policy before you take your toy out for that first spin. Now that that’s been taken care of, let’s take a look at the types of maintenance you can do now to make the season’s first ride a special one.
Perform a Visual Inspection
Conduct a thorough visual inspection in a well-lit space. Make sure to check all of the parts to make sure nothing is loose. Furthermore, common areas that show wear and tear include belts and idler wheels.
If you own an older model, look out for areas of stress, buckling, and cracking. You can use a grease gun to lubricate all the points listed in the manual, but make sure not to use an excessive amount of grease.
Check Fluids
The main fluids that you should be concerned with are gas, brake fluid, and coolant. Drain any old gas before adding fresh gas because deterioration could potentially affect the performance of your snowmobile. If your brake fluid is low, top it off using the specified grade outlined on the master cylinder. Fresh coolant should be added as well.
Evaluate Engine Features
Dirty carburetors are the main cause of engine failure after taking snowmobiles out of storage. Clean this with carburetor cleaner and basic tools. Also, check the throttle, oil cables, fan, and water pump belt for damage. Often there can be cracks in these important functions which could be extremely damaging and dangerous.
Examine the Skis
Without skis in proper working condition, a snowmobile may turn into a costly or dangerous endeavor. If your snowmobile is equipped with steel skis, check for holes that may have worn in them. For plastic skis, look for gouges or cuts. Lastly, your runners should be straight. If they are bent, it is a quick repair in the shop or a vice can be used to straighten them.
Clean Your Snowmobile
This may seem obvious, however, it’s often overlooked. Wash off any salt, dirt, leaves, or other debris that may be on your snowmobile. This can easily be done with a hose or bucket of water. Seats can be cleaned with upholstery cleaner. During this step, also check for any clothes or plugs that were used to block off the air intake and exhaust apertures.
Proper storage can slow down its aging and provide many years of fun-filled adventures. Your snowmobile should always be stored in a dry place, ideally on a lift or dollies to prevent moisture corrosion.
About Daniels Insurance, Inc.
At Daniels Insurance, Inc., we have a unique understanding of the risks that people like you face on a regular basis. With the backing of our comprehensive coverages and our dedication to customer service and quick claims resolution, your business will be fully protected. For more information, contact us today at (855) 565-7616.