We are currently between two seasons. The snowmobile is finished and the quad is on hold. Now is the time to think about snowmobile storage and adequate preparation for the ATV.
To get good information, I went to AS Moto in Château-Richer, to meet a specialist, Danny Gagné. For more than 24 years, Nancy Bilodeau and Claude Pichette have run this business, which offers Arctic Cat products, among other things.
“I think the first thing to do when storing your snowmobile is really to do a thorough cleaning,” explains the expert. What many people forget is that there may be calcium left over when crossing the roads in winter. In summer, with the heat, it will do its job. If left there, it will only cause the interior of the suspension to rust. You really have to clean the whole snowmobile. It is necessary to redo the lubrication of the suspension, in order to get out the water which could remain inside the suspension bars. »
If we now go to the mechanical side, the expert goes there with the following advice. “You have to put a fuel stabilizer in the tank to prevent any moisture that may form from turning into water and contaminating the fuel that remains in the tank. I also recommend changing all the oils when storing the machine because in the summer, as there is no frost, the oils will remain at their best. The tension on the track adjustments should be reduced. We offer a complete storage service in the fall and the preparation of the snowmobile when it comes out to start the winter. This is common practice in the industry. »
During a snowmobile season, all parts of the snowmobile are put to the test. A full check is required.
“You need a good inspection to know if the wear has started to take its toll on the various components of the snowmobile. Machine maintenance can make all the difference, explained Mr. Gagné. It is also very important to follow the manufacturer’s advice and use original parts. Each model of Arctic Cat with us has its parts and it must be respected. Also, you have to use the original oils because it’s not more expensive. We have synthetic oils that are at very good prices, from all manufacturers. It is therefore important to use them on the clutch side and more. »
PROPERLY PREPARE YOUR QUAD
With the summer quad season approaching and the start of using these machines to go to the forest, fishing or other places, we asked him for his advice on getting started.
“Several enthusiasts ride their mountain bikes on trails in winter. The first thing to do is to change the oils for those that are suitable for the summer. The ATV or the side-by-side require the same maintenance in the spring. In addition to replacing the oils, you must check the alignment of the wheels of the vehicle, check the tire pressures, a very important element for the road holding of the vehicle in summer. A good cleaning of the vehicle is essential in order to remove the salt and other materials that we accumulate during our winter rides. »
He advises a good full inspection. “You have to check the suspension tables, the adjustments of the shock absorbers, the wear of the pipe joints. They are very important for safe driving on trails in summer. Finally, check all electrical equipment like battery, front and rear lights. We must not forget the brakes, the operation of the transmission and everything that can suffer damage during hikes in the winter season. »
Before ending the interview, the specialist had the following message.
“Like everyone else in the industry, we offer a complete inspection, repair and perfect start-up service for both snowmobiles and quads. It is possible for us to discover certain things because of our experience. If there are repairs to be made, parts to be changed or other, we communicate with the consumer to explain the situation. He is always the one who has the last word. We are here to help them and give them the advice that will allow them to get the most out of their vehicle, snowmobile or quad.