{"id":5274,"date":"2026-08-12T22:44:16","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T22:44:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dspowersports.com\/staging\/4100\/?p=5274"},"modified":"2026-08-12T22:44:16","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T22:44:16","slug":"how-to-summerize-a-snowmobile-and-why-you-shouldnt-skip-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dspowersports.com\/staging\/4100\/how-to-summerize-a-snowmobile-and-why-you-shouldnt-skip-it\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Summerize a Snowmobile \u2014 and Why You Shouldn’t Skip It"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

One of the worst things you can do for any motorized vehicle is simply let it sit. Long periods of storage cause fuel to break down, varnishing carburetors. Engine parts are left unprotected, and rust and corrosion have their way with suspensions and drivetrains. That’s why proper storage prep matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Snowmobiles are no exception \u2014 but they’re often the most neglected. When the snow is gone, we’re ready to forget about winter and move on. You’ll do it next week, then next month. Before you know it, it’s June. At that point you figure you may as well wait until fall. Don’t do that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The summerize process is relatively simple. Many people DIY it, but we’re here to help if you’d rather not deal with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What We Do to Summerize a Sled<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Fuel Stabilizer<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Run as much fuel out of the tank as possible before storage. Fuel breaks down in a matter of months, so the less in the system the better. We add a fuel stabilizer to extend the lifespan of what’s left. The old advice about storing tanks full was for steel tanks \u2014 since nearly all snowmobiles today have plastic tanks, that’s not a concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Fog the Engine<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Fogging is a process where a special lubricant is sprayed directly into the carburetors while the engine is running. This coats internal parts with oil to prevent drying and cracking during storage. Important: remove the airbox first. Trying to fog through a snowmobile airbox creates a mess and does nothing for the motor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Drain the Carburetors<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Carburetor bowls are vented to the atmosphere and typically hold only a couple ounces of fuel. That small volume directly exposed to oxygen can break down and varnish carburetors even with stabilizer in the fuel. Don’t just shut the fuel off and run the motor until it dies \u2014 you’ll still have residual fuel in the bowls with more exposed surface area for varnish to build.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Grease the Chassis and Suspension<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Fresh grease pushes contaminated grease out of pivot points and helps prevent rust from taking hold over the summer months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Check Hyfax and Carbides<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

During the season everything is coated in snow and ice \u2014 summerizing is the perfect time to check your wear items. If they need replacing you’ll know well in advance of next season, which means less downtime when there’s snow. We often have discounts on winter inventory in the spring too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Cover and Store<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Protect your bodywork and seat from UV rays with a good cover, or better yet, indoor storage. We offer convenient indoor storage \u2014 drop your machine off any time and pick it up in the fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If You’re DIY-ing It \u2014 Here’s What You’ll Need:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n