A 2-stroke snowmobile engine will last around 5,000 to 10,000 miles, while with proper maintenance, a 4-stroke engine will last longer, approximately 10,000 to 20,000 miles. Keep in mind that the mileage thresholds I've mentioned here are also good for evaluating chassis wear. Any sled with more than 10,000 miles on the odometer should have the bearings on the drive axle, the lift axle and the chain box carefully examined. Replacing them at the 16,000 click mark (IMO) is good preventive maintenance.
It's very important that you check the life and tension of your snowmobile belt before the season begins. If possible, when you store your snowmobile, keep it up and away from the ground to prevent the slides and carbides from rusting and being damaged. The mileage you get with a snowmobile depends entirely on the maintenance history and how the sled was driven. This is because mountain snowmobiles tend to ride harder, on rougher terrain and at steeper elevations, which can cause more problems than if you drive a snowmobile on a trail along a beautiful, flat path on soft terrain.
The way a snowmobile is driven is an important factor when considering mileage, since intense mileage, such as mountain riding, for example, will always wear out more on a sleigh than the easy mileage that accumulates on a trail. There are many stories of people whose snowmobiles last 20 years or more in the various snowmobile forums. When you're thinking about buying a used sleigh, it's important to consider the type of snowmobile you're going to buy. Let's look in a little more detail at each of the five things you should consider when buying a used snowmobile, in addition to mileage.
Every week, the SnowTrax team guides viewers for an informative and entertaining half hour, revealing insider information about the latest snowmobiles, accessories and driving destinations that make snowmobiles the best adventure sport of the winter. Worn carbides can cause your snowmobile to lose performance, so if you notice that they look a little rough, you should change it. I prefer to buy a used snowmobile that goes 8,000 miles, knowing that they've been riding it recently and frequently, rather than a lower-mileage snowmobile that has been parked for long periods of time.
