Leaving your snowmobile idle without preparation can lead to avoidable repairs, corrosion, or damage from exposure to sunlight, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. Taking a few simple steps now ensures your sled will be ready to ride as soon as the first snow falls next season.
Here are 6 key areas to focus on when storing your snowmobile for summer
Clean and Protect Your Snowmobile
Start by giving your snowmobile a thorough wash. Leftover mud, road salt, or dirt from the snow season can lead to corrosion over time.
What you’ll need:
- Bucket
- Sponge
- Water
- A foaming wash
Clean every surface and pay attention to crevices where grime can hide. Once washed, apply a protective finish, such as the XPS Quick Detailer, to repel dust and grime while it’s in storage.
This will also ensure that your sled maintains its sharp, shiny look for seasons to come.
Treat the Fuel System and Stabilize Fuel
Fuel stabilizer is your best friend when it comes to storing snowmobiles for long periods.
Here’s a simple guide:
- Add the correct amount of fuel stabilizer, like XPS Fuel Stabilizer, to the remaining fuel in your tank.
- Run your sled in a well-ventilated area until it reaches operating temperature so the stabilized fuel flows through the entire system
This prevents fuel breakdown, which can clog engines and fuel systems
Change the Oil and Lubricate Moving Parts
- Oil Change (4-stroke snowmobiles):
For Ski-Doo 4-stroke sleds, summer is the perfect time for an oil change. With fresh oil, no dirt particles or moisture can sit inactive in the engine over the warmer months.
If you’re changing the oil yourself, the Ski-Doo XPS Oil Change Kit includes everything you need.
Not a DIY enthusiast? Visit your local Ski-Doo dealer for professional servicing.
- Lubricate the Chassis:
To prevent rust and corrosion, lubrication is key. Use XPS Synthetic Grease and follow your user manual for the location of grease zerks.
While lubricating, inspect key components like the rear suspension, idler wheels, bearings, and sliders. Catching wear and tear early can save you time and money later on.
Use E-TEC Summerization Mode
If you have a 2-stroke E-TEC engine, Ski-Doo’s built-in summerization mode takes care of prepping your engine for storage.
How to do it:
- Park your sled in its storage spot.
- Activate the E-TEC summerization mode, as outlined in your owner’s manual, which automatically adjusts your engine for long-term storage.
This ensures your snowmobile will start without issues when snowmobiling season begins.
Replace Chaincase Oil
Refresh your chaincase oil to eliminate moisture and debris from winter use. Old oil can lead to rust and reduce the lifespan of your chain and gears.
Outfit your sled with new XPS Synthetic Chaincase Oil, available at Ski-Doo dealerships. It comes pre-measured, so you won’t need to worry about guessing the right amount.
Choose the Best Storage Spot
Where you store your snowmobile can make a big difference in how it looks and performs next season.
Storage Tips:
- Find a cool, dry space like a garage or shed.
- Avoid direct sunlight, which can weaken plastic and degrade materials over time.
- Raise the sled to prevent the suspension from sitting compressed.
- Invest in a breathable, durable cover like the Ski-Doo Ride On Cover for extra protection from dust and moisture.
Wrapping Up
That’s it! With a little effort and these key steps, you can enjoy peace of mind all summer long knowing your sled is in pristine condition and ready to ride come winter.
Still feeling unsure? Your local Ski-Doo dealer is here to help. Reach out for professional assistance with storing your sled.
Happy summer, and we’ll see you out there tearing through fresh powder next season!
