Snowmobile Basics—Before You Ride

Operating a Clean, Quiet Machine

Beyond a pre-season check-up and regular maintenance, there are additional things you can do to make sure your snowmobile runs cleaner and quieter.

• Use high-grade oil and gasoline because they burn cleaner.
• Tune the engine for your altitude, including the proper carburetor jet setting which improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions.
• Change the spark plugs at least once during the season to ensure efficient fuel burning. Cold weather can foul plugs.
• Avoid opening and closing the throttle continuously, which causes inefficient fuel burning and increases emissions and noise.
• Don’t tamper with your exhaust pipes to increase the noise of your machine.

Environmental Impact of Snowmobiling

• Snowmobiles have a minimal environmental impact when operated properly and when at least four inches of snow cover the underlying vegetation.
• A snowmobile’s weight is spread over a wide area. Its ground pressure (weight per square inch) is less than that of a person walking.
• Scientific studies indicate that compaction of snow by snowmobile traffic has no negative effect on crops, such as winter wheat or alfalfa.
• Compaction often eliminates snow mold and increases yields. Compaction may also retard soil erosion.
• Plants and young trees are vulnerable to severe damage from snowmobiles, so it’s best to stay on established trails and keep away from tree farms, nurseries, and orchards.
• Respect wildlife along the trail. Do not approach the animal, maintain a slow speed, and do not make sudden movements. You may want to stop until the animal leaves.
• Snowmobiles are built to federally mandated noise control standards and engine noise has little or no effect on humans when trails are properly located away from residential or business areas.
• The engine noise from a snowmobile traveling at normal trail speeds 50 feet away must not exceed 86 decibels on the “A” scale of a decibel meter. This is about as loud as heavy city traffic.