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Always give your snowmobile
a checkup before the season starts. It’s easier to fix a
problem while the snowmobile is in the garage instead of waiting
until it spoils your fun on the trail. Consult your owner’s
manual for items that may need to be lubricated, tightened, adjusted,
aligned, or checked for wear. Key items include:
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Brakes
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Carburetor
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Chain
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Clutch
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Drive belt
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Fuel filter
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Handlebars
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Lights
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Shocks
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Skis/Skag bars
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Spark plugs
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Steering system
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Throttle
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Track
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Windshield
Also be sure to perform all recommended maintenance.
Be sure to consult
your owner’s manual before you attempt any adjustments
or repairs. Taking your machine to a licensed snowmobile
mechanic may be your best bet.
Maintaining
a Clean, Quiet Machine
Beyond the pre-season checkup and
maintenance, you can follow these suggestions to make
sure your snowmobile runs cleaner and quieter.
Use high-grade oil
and gasoline, which 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.
Avoid opening and
closing the throttle continuously, which causes inefficient
fuel burning and increases emissions and noise.
Don’t tamper
with your exhaust pipes as that causes the machine to
exceed legal noise limits.
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Preparing to Ride
from www.snowmobile-ed.com
Developing the Seven Traits of a Safe Snowmobiler
Safe snowmobilers know that they are responsible for their snowmobile
and for their behavior while operating it. They demonstrate responsibility
by learning about their snowmobile and by improving their riding
skills. In doing this, they begin to exhibit the seven traits
of a safe snowmobiler, who:
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Understands the mechanics
of the snowmobile.
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Respects both its capabilities
and its limitations.
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Maneuvers skillfully
through a variety of operating conditions.
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Knows and observes
the laws governing snowmobiles.
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Uses good judgment.
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Respects
others and the environment.
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Purchases a snowmobile
that has a label of certification from the Snowmobile Safety
and
Certification
Committee.
Adjusting the Snowmobile to Your Size and Riding Style
Your position on the machine affects its
handling. Follow the instructions
in your manual
to adjust these items.
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Handlebars: Set them
at a height so that you can steer and operate the controls
comfortably, minimizing strain on your arms.
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Suspension:
Adjust the ski suspension and the front and rear
of the track suspension to match your weight
and riding style.
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Headlight: Adjust the
tilt of the headlight according to the load distribution
on your machine. For example,
if you typically
sit back on the seat or carry a load at the
rear of the snowmobile, the front rides higher than normal;
therefore, the headlight
may need to be tilted downward slightly.
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Mirror: Adjust the mirror
according to your height and sitting position. During a ride,
you may
need to adjust the mirror to
reduce glare from lights behind you.
Preparing Yourself for Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is physically demanding, and riding for
hours at a time requires stamina. To enjoy your time
on the trail fully,
you should:
Be in good physical
condition.
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Get plenty of sleep and
eat nutritious food before and during your ride.
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Drink plenty
of water to replace the fluids you lose through
sweating, even in freezing weather.
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Avoid
riding when you are ill or fatigued, which affects your
judgment and reaction
time possibly leading to accidents.
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