Machine Safety

A comprehensive snowmobile machine safety standards program is sponsored by the Snowmobile Safety and Certification Committee (SSCC), a non-profit organization interested in safe snowmobiling. In 1981, the SSCC received the U.S. National Safety Council’s ‘Distinguished Service to Safety” Award for its effective work in improving the safety of snowmobiling.

Under the SSCC machine safety standards program, snowmobiles are certified by an independent testing company as being in compliance with all SSCC safety standards.

The SSCC independent certification program covers every vital component of the snowmobile; electrical, lighting and brake systems; alternate starting system; emergency control; brake and throttle controls; fuel system; reflectors; handgrips; seat; shields and guards. The SSCC standard sets maximum permission sound levels of no more than 78dB(A) at 50 feet when the snowmobile is traveling at full throttle and no more than 73 dB(A) at 50 feet when the snowmobile is traveling at 15 mph.

The SSCC standard exceeds state government standards in all snowbelt states. Under Transport Canada regulations, all new snowmobiles sold in Canada since 1987 are required to meet the current SSCC standards.

The compliance of a snowmobile with the SSCC standard is indicated by the SSCC’s black and white certification label, which is generally placed on the right rear tunnel of the machine. These labels are distributed to the manufacturers only after an independent testing laboratory determines that the model is in compliance with the SSCC standard.

Preparing to Ride, Performing Pre-Season Maintenance

Always give your snowmobile a checkup before the season starts. It’s easier to fix a problem while the snowmobile is in the garage instead of waiting until it spoils your fun on the trail.

Consult your owner’s manual for items that may need to be lubricated, tightened, adjusted, aligned, or checked for wear. Key items include:

• Brakes
• Carburetor
• Chain
• Clutch
• Drive belt
• Fuel filter
• Handlebars
• Lights
• Shocks
• Skis/Skag bars
• Spark plugs
• Steering system
• Throttle
• Track
• Windshield
• Also be sure to perform all recommended maintenance.

Key Items To Check

Be sure to consult your owner’s manual before you attempt any adjustments or repairs. Taking your machine to a licensed snowmobile mechanic may be your best bet.

Maintaining a Clean, Quiet Machine

Beyond the pre-season checkup and maintenance, you can follow these suggestions to make sure your snowmobile runs cleaner and quieter.

• Use high-grade oil and gasoline, which burn cleaner.
• Tune the engine for your altitude, including the proper carburetor jet setting, which improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions.
• Change the spark plugs at least once during the season to ensure efficient fuel burning.
• Avoid opening and closing the throttle continuously, which causes inefficient fuel burning and increases emissions and noise.
• Don’t tamper with your exhaust pipes as that causes the machine to exceed legal noise limits.