Snowmobile Polaris 600 IQ Touring (2010 year). Manual - part 4

17

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Avalanches

Snowmobilers should always be properly trained and equipped before 

traveling in mountainous terrain:
• Take an avalanche class
• Travel with experienced people
• Travel on designated trails
• Make sure each person is equipped 

with a shovel, probe and avalanche 

beacon.

You don’t have to be snowmobiling on a 

slope for an avalanche to occur. Be aware 

that all of the snow is connected. You may be riding on a flat slope or 

snow covered road, but if the snowpack above is unstable enough you 

can trigger an avalanche on a steeper slope above you. Always be aware 

of snow conditions above you as you travel in mountainous terrain.
Before riding in mountainous terrain, call or log on to your local ava-

lanche advisory to get current weather and snow stability information.
For more information about avalanche training and avalanche condi-

tions, contact local law enforcement in your area, or visit the American 

and Canadian online avalanche centers at www.avalanche.org.

18

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Ice and Snow Build-up

WARNING! Ice and snow build-up may interfere with the steering of your 

snowmobile, resulting in serious injury or death. Keep the underhood area free 

of snow and ice.

Before driving, manually turn the skis to the left and right to be sure ice 

and snow are not interfering with full left and right steering. If difficulty 

is encountered, remove ice and snow build-up that may be obstructing 

the steering linkage.
If your snowmobile is equipped with RIDER SELECT, perform this 

check in both the full up and full down steering positions.

Driving Downhill

When riding downhill, shift your weight to the rear of the snowmobile 

and reduce your speed to a minimum. Apply just enough throttle to keep 

the clutch engaged, allowing the engine’s compression to help slow the 

snowmobile and keep it from rolling freely downhill.

WARNING! When driving on long downhill stretches, pump the brakes. Riding 

the brakes may cause the brake system to overheat, which may result in brake 

failure. Excessive or repetitive use of the brakes for high speed stops will also 

cause an overheated brake system. This condition may lead to a sudden loss of 

brakes and/or fire and may result in serious injury or death.

19

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Driving on Slippery Surfaces

WARNING! Never attempt an abrupt change of direction when operating on 

slippery surfaces. Proceed slowly and use extra caution. Driving on ice or hard-

packed snow reduces steering and braking control, which may result in loss of 

control and serious injury or death. Slow down and use extra caution when 

operating on slippery surfaces.

Driving in Hilly Terrain

WARNING! Climbing a hill or crossing the face of a slope may result in loss of 

balance and snowmobile rollover, causing serious injury or death. Use caution 

and good judgement when driving in hilly terrain.

Use extra caution when operating in hilly terrain. If climbing a hill is 

unavoidable, keep your weight low and forward. If you must cross the 

face of a slope, keep your weight on the uphill side of the snowmobile to 

maintain proper balance and avoid possible rollover.
Slow down when reaching the crest of a hill. Be prepared to react to 

obstacles, sharp drops or other people or vehicles that may be on the 

other side of the hill.
If you’re unable to continue up a hill, turn the snowmobile downhill 

before it loses momentum. If this isn’t possible, spin the track just 

enough to dig in to prevent it from rolling back down the hill. Stop the 

engine and set the parking brake (if equipped). Keeping away from the 

downhill side of the snowmobile, pull the rear of the snowmobile 

around and point the front end and skis downhill. Remount the snowmo-

bile, restart the engine, release the parking brake, and descend the hill 

carefully.

20

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Drive Belt

Do not operate the engine with the drive belt removed.
Any servicing that requires operation without a belt must be performed 

by your dealer. 

NOTICE: Operation of the engine with the belt removed may result in damage 

to the engine.

Intake Silencer

Do not operate the engine with the intake silencer or filter removed.

NOTICE: Damage to the engine may occur if the intake silencer or filter are 

removed. 

Clutches

Do not attempt to service the clutches.
All clutch service must be performed by your dealer. The clutch is a 

complex mechanism that rotates at high speeds. Each clutch is dynami-

cally balanced before installation. Any tampering may disrupt this preci-

sion balancing and create an unstable condition.

Cold Weather Drive-Away

Whenever your snowmobile has been parked for a length of time, espe-

cially overnight, always make sure the skis and track are loosened from 

ice and snow before attempting to drive. Apply the throttle with enough 

authority to put the snowmobile into motion, but always operate within 

safety limits and, on 2-up machines, with respect for a passenger.

Maneuverability

While much control and maneuverability is achieved through the steer-

ing system and skis, maximum control is achieved by the shifting of 

your body weight. Maneuverability will change for lighter operators or 

snowmobiles designed to carry a load or a passenger.