Properly storing your snowmobile at the end of the season is the difference between a smooth startup next winter and expensive repair bills. Whether you ride a Ski-Doo, Yamaha, or Arctic Cat, these steps apply to all modern four-stroke and two-stroke sleds.

What You'll Need

  • Fuel stabilizer (we recommend Sta-Bil)
  • Fogging oil
  • Fresh engine oil and filter
  • Battery tender/maintainer
  • Quality cover or indoor storage space
  • Silicone spray
  • Grease gun

Step 1: Fill the Tank and Add Stabilizer

Fill your fuel tank completely (a full tank prevents condensation) and add fuel stabilizer according to the bottle's directions. Run the engine for 5-10 minutes to circulate the stabilized fuel through the entire system.

Our pick: Sta-Bil Storage Fuel Stabilizer ($9.99) →

Step 2: Fog the Engine

For two-stroke engines, fogging oil is critical. Remove the air filter, start the engine, and spray fogging oil directly into the carburetor/throttle body while the engine is running. Let it stall from the fogging oil — this coats the cylinder walls and prevents corrosion.

For four-strokes, fogging through the spark plug holes is recommended.

Our pick: Maxima Foam Filter Oil & Fogging Spray ($12.99) →

Step 3: Change the Oil (4-Stroke)

If you have a four-stroke sled (most modern Ski-Doo and Yamaha models), change the oil and filter now. You don't want dirty, acidic oil sitting in your engine all summer.

Our pick: Ski-Doo XPS 4-Stroke Oil ($34.99/gallon) →

Step 4: Remove and Maintain the Battery

Remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place — NOT on a concrete floor (old wives' tale, but a shelf is still better for access). Connect a battery tender to keep it at optimal charge all summer.

Our pick: Battery Tender Junior ($29.99) →

Step 5: Grease All Fittings

Use a grease gun to hit every zerk fitting — suspension, steering, and drive shaft. This prevents moisture from entering the bearings during storage.

Step 6: Inspect and Clean the Track/Suspension

Check for damaged track clips, worn slides (hyfax), and bent suspension components. Now is the time to order replacement parts so you're ready for first snow.

Common replacement: Ski-Doo OEM Hyfax Slides ($45/pair) →

Step 7: Cover and Store

If storing outdoors, invest in a quality fitted cover. Indoor storage in a dry garage is ideal. Elevate the rear of the sled slightly to take pressure off the track.

Our pick: Dowco Guardian Trailerable Cover ($89.99) →

Storage Checklist Summary

  • Full tank + fuel stabilizer
  • Engine fogged
  • Oil and filter changed
  • Battery removed + on tender
  • All fittings greased
  • Track and suspension inspected
  • Covered and stored properly

Follow these steps and your sled will fire right up on the first cold day next season. Skip them, and you might be looking at carburetor rebuilds, corroded cylinders, or a dead battery.

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