It’s always such a bummer to have to put your beloved snowmobile away during the summer. Those few months can feel like forever, especially for avid riders. It can be so frustrating that some people have come up with a few ways to have some fun with their snowmobiles in the summer.
Can you ride a snowmobile in the summer? It is possible to ride your snowmobile in the summer in activities such as water skipping and grass drags, however, it is strongly recommended that you store it during this season instead.
Summer activities with your snowmobile can be fun for a short while – people have even created new competitions surrounding grass drags, specifically! Still, you must make responsible decisions when considering these activities and be aware of the risks involved. Below you’ll find a more detailed look at summer uses of your snowmobile, and instructions for storage should you change your mind.
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Obviously, the norm among snowmobile owners is to store your snowmobile during the summer, as it is recognized as the “off-season,” a time when it is not ideal to operate your snowmobile. Of course, you are not required to do so, as it is entirely possible to ride a snowmobile in the summer. However, there are risks to forgoing this standard.
The body and the engine of the snowmobile were made specifically to be operated in cold, wet environments, therefore, you risk exposing your snowmobile to damage when operating during the summer season. Consequences that could occur include:
Snowmobilers are becoming increasingly creative with the use of their machines, though it is not always in their best interests. Sure, it may be fun for a moment, but when searching for summertime activities for your snowmobile, you must be cognizant of the risks and whether you can afford to take these on for a bit of fun.
One of the most important rules of operating a snowmobile is to avoid crossing lakes or rivers. According to the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, one of the leading causes of snowmobile fatalities is drowning – and that does not change based on the season. Still, many snowmobilers have become enthusiasts for the new sport of "water skipping.”
This is when you ride your snowmobile across a body of water – yes, just as might assume, if you run out of momentum, your snowmobile will indeed sink. Although the recommended safety precautions for water skipping include the following, this is still a highly dangerous activity to take part in:
If you’re wrestling with the desire to use your snowmobile during the summer, you must simply weigh the risks against the benefits to determine whether such activities are reasonable for you to take part in.
Many people have begun to expand the use of their snowmobiles by riding them across lush green lawns and fields in the summertime when there is no snow to be found. In fact, there have been entire sports events dedicated to what is now called “grass drags.”
With grass drags, you need to set explicit limits to the use of your snowmobile, otherwise, you risk severe damage to the components. Even when you’re riding in designated zones, the risk of overheating your engine is always present, so you need to take care to pay close attention to speed limits and other cautionary policies of the area you’re riding in.
You must always remember that a snowmobile is intended to be used on snow and ice only, so operating it outside of these environments will always come with inherent hazards, including:
Despite how intriguing these activities may seem, for inexperienced snowmobilers, they can introduce risks of serious damage to your vehicle. (Not to mention the expenses of customizing your snowmobile for use outside of snow!)
Because of this, the best possible thing you can do with your snowmobile during the summer is to safely place it into storage. Follow these seven steps to make sure your snowmobile is stored properly and ready for use in the winter:
Although it may be tempting to pull your snowmobile out of the garage and enjoy some fun while the snow is MIA, it is best to leave it safely stored and protected from elements it was not designed to endure. Following the above guidelines will ensure that your snowmobile remains in proper shape for use in the wintertime.
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