Now that winter has arrived and the snow is on the ground, many intrepid outdoor enthusiasts are trailering up their snowmobiles and heading to the slopes or the trailhead. If you’ve pulled your snowmobile out of storage only to discover it’s in disrepair, then you may have some maintenance issues that you’ve neglected to address. That likely means you’ll have to make an appointment for some pricey repairs.

So how do you keep your snowmobile maintained to prevent this from happening? Peak Powersports, LLC, in Sheridan is your Wyoming snowmobile headquarters. Here are some of our top tips for keeping your sled in good working order.

Plan Ahead

If you have a plan that you can follow, you’re much more likely to be able to keep up with a maintenance routine. Review your owner’s manual to see what tasks need to be performed and how often, and draw up a plan from there. You should also figure out what you can do yourself, at home, and what you’ll need some assistance with. Make an appointment now with the mechanics here at Peak Powersports, LLC, so that our team can take a look at your sled and address any issues promptly.

Top Off Fluids

There are a number of fluids in every motorized vehicle that need to be in good condition and regularly topped off. These include oil, fuel, radiator fluid, coolant and so forth. Determine from your manufacturer’s recommendations how often these fluids need replenishment or changing. As you refill fluids, make sure that your oil, air and fuel filters are all in good condition, and that you’re using the right products for your particular model.

Wash & Grease

Your snowmobile won’t work well if it’s all dirty and gunked up, so make sure that you clean it as often as the weather permits. Don’t let grime pile up over the season, since it can do some serious damage to your sled’s inner components. When you aren’t using your snowmobile, keep it covered so that it doesn’t attract debris. A cover can also help reduce damage when you’re transporting your sled from place to place.

Aside from covering your snowmobile, you should take the time to lubricate all of its moving parts. The parts that need grease include bearings, steering components, the drivetrain and both suspensions.

Check Track & Skis

Snowmobiles run on a track and skis, which is very different from other types of motorized powersports vehicles that you might ride. You need to make sure that your sled’s track is properly aligned so that it will operate well. Loosen one of the rear-axle bolts after you have the track aligned to adjust the tension.

Sit on your sled’s seat and move the handlebars to take note of whether the vehicle seems to be aligned correctly. Inspect carbides (the protruding parts on the bottom of your skis that help with steering) on a regular basis to check them for signs of wear. Replacements are pricey, but if you need them, don’t wait to buy them! Replacing the skis is much more expensive and time-consuming by contrast.

These tips should help you to keep your snowmobile in good shape for all of your winter riding needs. Visit our dealership in Sheridan, Wyoming, to investigate our full stock of new and used snowmobiles for sale. We offer financing options if you’d like to make use of them; just talk to our staff when you’re here. Need professional snowmobile service? Contact our service department to schedule an appointment with our mechanics so that we can assist you with all of your snowmobile repair needs. Peak Powersports proudly serves the city of Buffalo, Wyoming.