Riding Your Snowmobile

Starting Your Snowmobile

Accidents often occur when a driver starts a snowmobile but is not prepared to take control of it immediately. To start safely:

• Point the machine in a safe direction.
• Position yourself to control the machine when it starts.
• Set the parking brake.
• Make sure the throttle is not frozen. It should snap back to the idle position when released.
• Set the key and the engine stop switch (also sometimes known as a safety switch) to the “on” position.
• If your engine is cold, choke or prime it.
• If you have an electric starter, turn the key and release the choke as soon as the engine starts.
• If your machine has a reverse gear, be sure the snowmobile is in a forward gear before you start off.
• Allow the engine to warm up, and gradually move the choke to the “off” position. If you have a primer, you may have to pump it a few times to keep the engine running until it is warm.

Warming up Your Snowmobile

• Release the parking brake; increase the throttle; and move slowly until the engine, drive belt, and track are warmed up fully.
• If the snowmobile doesn’t move, stop the engine and check for a frozen track or seized brake.
  • To free a frozen track, lift the back of the snowmobile about 10-12 inches off the ground and then bounce the back of the snowmobile on the ground. Repeat as necessary.
  • To repair a seized brake, seek the advice of a mechanic.

Be a Wise Energy User

• Warm up the engine after you start it. Ride at low speeds for a few minutes.
• Avoid gunning the engine and jack-rabbit starts, which waste fuel.
• Keep your engine tuned correctly to get maximum mileage.
• Use trails close to your home to minimize transportation costs.