Safe Starting Steps

Accidents often occur when a driver starts a snowmobile but is not prepared to take control of it immediately. To start safely:

• Point the machine in a safe direction.
• Position yourself to control the machine when it starts.
• Set the parking brake.
• Make sure the throttle is not frozen. It should snap back to the idle position when released.
• Set the key and the engine stop switch (also sometimes known as a safety switch) to the “on” position.
• If your engine is cold, choke or prime it.
• If you have an electric starter, turn the key and release the choke as soon as the engine starts.
• If your machine has a reverse gear, be sure the snowmobile is in a forward gear before you start off.
• Allow the engine to warm up, and gradually move the choke to the “off” position. If you have a primer, you may have to pump it a few times to keep the engine running until it is warm.