Your snowmobile is intended to be used for traveling, going on winter adventures, and being worked. However, like any vehicle, it needs to be parked as well when not in use, and that means being exposed to the elements. Even the best vehicle makes take a beating when that happens, but a lot of the potential damage is entirely avoidable with a simple additional step – using a snowmobile cover.
Why a Cover Matters So Much
Your snowmobile is basically the equivalent of a scooter or motorcycle that travels on snow-packed roads and paths. It’s even good for chewing through some powder if you know where you’re going and how to avoid obstacles. However, just leaving a snowmobile uncovered outside when not in use pretty much means it gets exposed to rain, snow, dust, dirt, and even animals. Let’s face it, when the machine has just been turned off, it’s still warm for a few hours. A rodent or bird might find that very inviting in the otherwise cold chill outside.
Typically, a snowmobile comes with chassis covers that provide some protection over certain aspects of the vehicle, but they are not sufficient for a full enclosure. All sorts of grit and critters can get into the engine area, tracks, under the seat, and more with a bit of time. Wind helps that process a lot, and so does melting snow when the day arrives and things warm up. Water is a great penetrator of anything, finding the smallest crack to get into.
A cover provides a portable but effective barrier to all the above, literally blocking it physically from making contact with the snowmobile itself except underneath.
Exposure Takes a Toll
Even simple exposure has a price on equipment, and you will notice that with sun damage exposure is only enhanced by reflection from the snow. Plastics dry out, colors fade, fake seat covers start to dry out and crack. Again, a snowmobile cover blocks a lot of this exposure while the vehicle is sitting and stops it from occurring in many cases. This is particularly important if your vehicle has to be parked outside during the offseason instead of in a garage. Your snowmobile lasts far longer in great condition, and the cover instead takes the beating.
Focus on Fit
Good snowmobile covers should fit snug and comfortably on a given snowmobile model. Not all snowmobiles are the same shape, so keep that in mind when ordering. A cover with a lot of gaps and the poor fit is almost useless as the wind will just blow it open. A snug fit stays close to the vehicle’s body, can be tied down, and everything else just blows right over.
If there is going to be wear from age and damage, let the snowmobile cover take the brunt of the damage instead of the vehicle. It costs a lot less to replace a cover after a few years than an entire vehicle all over again or do a complete repair overhaul simply because rubber bits dried out. Invest a bit in your snowmobile’s care, and it will take care of you when things matter the most away from home and on the trail.