Deciding to visit a smowmobile dealer and considering getting a snowmobile it’s important to consider everything that goes into snowmobile equipment and storage. Looking at snowmobiles for sale and finding a snowmobile for sale either from an individual or snowmobile dealers entails lots of upkeep to keep your snowmobile running, and storing it when it is not in use over long periods of time. A snowmobile dealer will be able to help get you on the right track for general information, but there is some information that a snowmobile dealer may not share that is still useful to know for storage. Read below for some helpful tips when it comes to storing your snowmobile for an extended period of time.

Scrub

You want to make sure that you give your snowmobile a good scrub before you prepare to store it for the winter. Cleaning all of the dirt and debris off of it will ensure that nothing corrodes or affects the parts or paint during the months that it is not in use. Use soapy water and be sure to rinse all soap off completely before storing. Clean under the hood using a degreaser to ensure all parts are free of debris before storing.

Fuel Treatment

This step is particularly important to keep your snowmobile from corroding. Gasoline has solvents and when the gasoline evaporates, the vapors can cause metals on your snowmobile to begin to corrode. Treating your fuel reduces evaporation which in turn reduces corrosion. Be sure to read and follow directions when treating your gas to get the best results.

Grease

Just as you want to ensure that no harm comes to your metals on your snowmobile, you also want to ensure that all parts run smoothly before and after storage of it. Grease will ensure all moving parts stay lubricated during storage so they move smoothly after storage. This is important for smooth operations especially the first time you use it after storage. Greasing moving parts on your snowmobile also helps to push water and moisture out of there so that rust doesn’t form.

Jack it up

Consider storing your snowmobile somewhere other than sitting on the ground. Storing it off the ground removes some of the tension. This can help prolong the life of your suspension as well as help keep the tracks in better condition. Unhooking the springs also helps relieve some of the tension during the months that it is not being used.

Don’t Attract Company

Some small unwelcome critters could make their way into the building that your snowmobile is stored in, so deterring them from the start is smart. Mothballs are a great way to keep unwanted company away. Spray bug spray around your snowmobile to deter pests as well. This will help protect not only your snowmobile, but also your cover for it.

Remove the Battery

You should consider removing the battery and storing it somewhere that the temperature is more controlled. Make sure it doesn’t get too hot or cold and that it is not in direct sunlight. Devices are made to help keep the battery charged even when you are not using it, but a climate controlled environment will help extend the overall life of your battery.

Snowmobiles are incredibly popular with over 1.2 million registered in the US alone, and the industry generating more than 100,000 jobs in North America. With more than 50,000 smowmobiles sold each year in the US it’s easy just how popular they are, but they are also not cheap. Proper maintenance and storage is vital to keep your investment running year after year. Use these tips for proper maintenance before storage, because after all, a snowmobile dealer is interested in selling you the snowmobile, but once you’ve bought it then storage, and upkeep is ultimately on you.