How to Ride Extreme Snowmobiles Safely

Make certain your extreme snowmobile is in good condition. If you're a mechanic, you can do this yourself. Look under the cowl and check for any loose belts; the level of the fluids such as injection oil, and anti-freeze. Check the drive belt for wear.

Examine the clutches for loose bolts or cracks on the clutch surfaces. If you find cracks, take the machine to the shop.

Inspect the electrical system. Check all of the wires to make sure they are not touching any hot surfaces such as the pipes or the head (if need be, you can tie them up to prevent them from touching hot surfaces and melting). Check your spark plugs, making certain they are a light brown in color.

Clean the engine compartment with a mild cleanser, which helps keep grease from building up and keeps your engine cool.

Check the track and suspension system by lifting the back of the sled off of the ground enough to turn the track completely by hand. Check your track tension. You can consult the owner's manual for the proper tension. Make certain your wheels are all in good shape. If a wheel is missing any rubber or doesn't spin freely, change it. Make certain the bolts and nuts are tight. Replace any that are missing. Grease your suspension system greased (this should be done monthly or more if you ride more often). Check all bolts on the front suspension, making sure they're tight, and that the suspension works correctly. If anything is bent or out of alignment, replace it. Grease the front suspension. Check the skis and carbides for wear.

Give the extreme snowmobile an over-all inspection to make sure nothing is missing, then clean and wax it. Check the backer plates, and for any missing studs on the track.

Make certain you have all the proper extreme snowmobiling safety gear for yourself. Along with snow helmets, snow pants, snow gloves, balaclavas or head liners, neck warmers, snow jackets, snow boots, spine protectors, thumb protectors, snow glasses, have knee pads, elbow pads and a chest protector.

Take an SOS beacon, shovel, avalanche probe, hand radio set, or a helmet radio, a compass, matches, flashlight, and a first aid kit, especially if you are planning to travel a distance or head into an isolated area. Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return. Call them when you get home.

Avoid alcohol or drugs while extreme snowmobiling. These substances affect your mind and judgment. Alcohol can also contribute to hypothermia.

Stay on marked trails, or on the right shoulder of the road. Keep an eye out for things that might be hidden just below the snow's surface like stumps or fences.

Skip traveling across water, even if the ice looks strong enough to hold you. If you fall through the ice, kick your feet to get yourself on top of the ice. If the ice breaks while you're doing this, don't panic. Slowly move toward the shore or the direction from which you came until you can get up on the ice. Roll on the ice away from the hole. Do not stand until you are a good distance from the hole.

Ride only to your ability. Don't go too fast or try too much too soon.

Keep track of how you're feeling. You don't want to exhaust yourself so you're unable to get back home safely.