The following course material is for reference only. Please go to the new course to complete your Vermont certification.
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.
