Are you buying a snowmobile and have no idea where to start? You’ve heard some of the terms thrown around: power steering, speedometer, windshield wipers. But you’re still unsure what these things mean or if they’re even crucial for you to consider.

female riding ski doo snowmobile in snow

Tips When Buying a Snowmobile

And you don’t want to get stuck with a machine that doesn’t suit your needs—or worse, one that breaks down on the trail!

Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll talk about eight features that can help guide your buying decision and help you get the most out of your next trip up the mountain.

Power Steering

If you’re new to snowmobiling, you might not know this feature exists. And if you’ve been riding for a while, you might not think it’s necessary. But trust us, power steering is a game-changer. It makes maneuvering your machine much easier, especially when you’re going fast or traversing rough terrain. If you can, get a snowmobile with power steering. You’ll be glad you did!

Speedometer

This one might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to have a speedometer on your snowmobile. Why? Because knowing how fast you’re going is key to staying safe on the trails. If you don’t have a speedometer, you won’t be able to tell if you’re going too fast for the conditions, which can lead to accidents.

Windshield Wipers

Windshield wipers help clear away any snow or debris that might obstruct your vision while you’re riding. And in some cases, they can even help defog your goggles! If your machine doesn’t have windshield wipers, be sure to buy a pair of aftermarket ones. A Polaris snowmobile could be a great option if you want a quality snowmobile.

Heated Grips

Heated grips are one of those features that you might not think you need—until you’ve ridden with them. Then you’ll never want to go back! They help keep your hands warm and toasty, even on the coldest days. And trust us, when you’re out in the middle of nowhere, there’s nothing worse than having cold, numb fingers.

Reverse

If you’re new to snowmobiling, the reverse might not seem like a big deal. But if you’ve ever been stuck in the snow, you know how important it is to have a machine that can back up. Many newer models come with reverse as a standard feature. But if your machine doesn’t have it, there are aftermarket kits you can buy to add it.

Suspension

One of the most important aspects of a snowmobile is its suspension. That’s because it helps to absorb all the bumps and jolts as you’re riding. So if you’re planning on doing any off-roading, be sure to get a machine with good suspension. Otherwise, you might end up feeling every bump in the trail!

Track

The track is the part of the snowmobile that actually touches the ground. There are different types of tracks available. Some are designed for speed, while others are better for traction. If you’re not sure what kind of track you need, ask your dealer or a knowledgeable friend. They’ll be able to help you choose the right one for your needs.

Storage

Finally, you’ll want to consider storage when choosing a snowmobile. After all, you’ll need somewhere to put your extra gear! Some machines come with built-in storage, while others have aftermarket options available. Either way, choose a snowmobile with enough space to store everything you need for your next adventure.

Final Word

Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to start buying a snowmobile. Keep these six features in mind, and you’ll surely find a machine that’s just right for you. Happy riding!

Buying a Snowmobile, 8 Features to Look For When Buying a Snowmobile, Days of a Domestic Dad