How long do carbides last?

It varies a lot. Riding often over pavement, gravel or thinly covered trails wears carbides much faster. Inspect them regularly rather than relying on a distance.

Should both runners be replaced at the same time?

Yes, that's the recommended practice: two runners worn differently can make the sled pull to one side.

Do I need dual carbides?

Not necessarily. They're mostly useful if you ride a lot on hard-packed snow and ice, or if your track is studded. On an unstudded sled, overly aggressive carbides can unbalance the steering.

Genuine or aftermarket runners?

Both exist; aftermarket runners often offer more choice of lengths and configurations. Make sure they fit your skis. See our guide on OEM vs aftermarket parts.

Where can I find carbides at Groupe Contant?

In the snowmobile tracks, skis & carbides category of our online store. You request online and pay in store at pickup. Our technicians can also install them through our service department.

Parts & Accessories

Snowmobile Carbides and Runners: When to Replace Them and How to Choose

By the Groupe Contant Team · Published October 17, 2026

Quick Answer

When should you replace your snowmobile's carbides?

There's no fixed interval: wear depends mostly on how much snow there is and how often you ride over pavement, gravel or ice. Inspect the runners before each season and regularly during the winter. Replace them when the carbide is worn, cracked or missing, or when the steel bar has worn thin. A sled that pulls to one side or "pushes" in turns on hard-packed snow is a sign to watch for.

Under each snowmobile ski is a runner (or wear bar) that protects the ski and, thanks to its carbide insert, bites into hard-packed snow and ice to steer the sled.

This guide explains what they do, the signs of wear to watch for, the difference between single and dual carbides, and why carbides need to be balanced with the track's studs.

What Carbides Do

The runner is a steel bar bolted under the ski. It protects the underside of the ski from wear. The carbide, a very hard metal insert welded onto the runner, acts like a blade that cuts a groove into hard-packed snow: that's what provides steering on groomed and icy trails.

In deep, soft snow, the ski itself does most of the work. It's on hard trails and ice that the condition of the carbides matters most.

Signs of Wear

Carbide that's rounded, worn or shorter than original.
Carbide pieces that are cracked, chipped or missing.
A steel bar that's worn thin, especially at the ends.
Vague steering, a sled that pulls to one side or pushes straight in turns on hard-packed snow.
Uneven wear between the two skis — replace runners as a pair to keep steering balanced.

Single vs Dual Carbides

A single-carbide runner has one carbide insert; a dual-carbide runner has two, side by side. The more carbide in contact with the snow, the more the sled bites in turns on hard surfaces.

More carbide isn't always better: too much front bite compared to the track's grip can make the rear end loose in turns. The right choice depends on your sled, your studs and how you ride.

Balancing Carbides and Studs

Studs on the track improve traction and braking on hard-packed snow and ice, but manufacturers warn that steering can then be reduced. That's why it's recommended to balance the length of carbide on the skis with the number of studs: the more studs, the more carbide you need.

Too little carbide for the number of studs and the sled tends to push straight in turns; too much and the rear end can slide out. Follow your model's owner's manual recommendations, or ask our parts team for advice.