Essential Tips for Bike Maintenance

Some of the common things about bike maintenance people tend to remember, or ideally should, is carrying the registration certificate when riding the bike and getting regular servicing. Another one is keeping the vehicle insured with at least third-party liability bike insurance. However, there is more that you can do, if you want to ensure a long life for your bike and expect the best performance. Bike maintenance starts with small steps taken regularly right after you buy your bike. For example, you can begin by getting your two-wheeler insurance online or offline. Furthermore, you can sign up for an annual maintenance contract with your service centre, unless you are willing to take care of your bike in some other way. Here is a bike maintenance checklist to help you ensure your two-wheeler operates smoothly and offers the best performance for as long as possible.

Go Through the Bike Manual

When you buy your bike, you will be given a manual along with it. This contains some fundamental information about your bike, that you as the owner, must be privy to. Thus, it is ideal for you to go through this manual at least once. This manual can help you better understand the vehicle you have purchased and how to care for it.

Change Engine Oil Regularly

The engine oil is a consumable and plays an important role in the smooth functioning of your bike. It plays an important role in the overall wear and tear of your vehicle. It needs to be changed regularly. Engine oil, if not changed on time, can turn dirty. This can lead to reduced engine life and internal corrosion and may also affect mileage. Thus, ensure to check your engine oil regularly, and change it when necessary.

Look After the Battery

The battery is one of the most significant components of your two-wheeler. Without a fully functional battery, you may face problems starting your bike, or with the horn or indicators, and maybe even the functioning of your headlights. To ensure battery health, check your battery and all the wires regularly. You can also charge your battery when you see that it is not completely charged. When your bike is not in use, you can disconnect the battery.

Check Tyres Frequently

Tyre health is important as it is one of the parts of your bike that directly endures any and all harsh road conditions. Check the air in your tyres regularly and ensure it is as per the recommended levels. Whenever necessary, get them aligned and balanced.

Cleanse Air Filters

Air filters of your bike are usually located by the side of the bike, inside the air box. These are parts that help filter the air and ensure no dirt or impurities enter the bike’s system. If these are not clean, it may hamper the performance of the bike. You can either choose to clean them yourself (if you know what to do and how), or you can get them cleaned during regular servicing.

Look After the Brakes

You need to ensure your bike brakes are functioning properly. Not doing so can hamper your safety. To ensure properly functioning brakes, you should replace your brake pads as and when necessary, as they tend to undergo wear and tear. Brake fluid also needs to be replaced regularly. If your brakes are not applying properly, or make unusual sounds, you should get them checked.

Keep it Clean

Besides ensuring the health of individual components, it is also necessary to keep your bike clean, so that all the parts function in synchrony. You can clean it yourself by referring to the bike manual, or you can look for bike cleaning services in your locality.

Use Your Bike Responsibly

Bike maintenance is about more than taking care of the parts and the whole. As the owner of the bike, you also should use it responsibly. For example, avoid speeding and overloading your bike. Ensure it is not underused as it may lead to the failure of some of its parts.

Get Your Bike Insured

A comprehensive motor insurance plan for your bike can prove to be quite helpful if your two-wheeler were to ever get into an accident. Having bike insurance means you have financial protection against accidental damage, which allows you to take care of your bike well. A comprehensive policy usually costs slightly more than a third-party liability cover. However, it also offers more coverage. To see how much you would have to pay as a premium for comprehensive cover for your bike, you can use a bike insurance calculator. Moreover, buying two-wheeler insurance online can also help you save on your premiums. Bike insurance calculators are usually available online free of cost. When it comes to bike maintenance, do not ignore the value of professional help. You can get your bike serviced regularly at a nearby service centre, especially in the initial years. The aforementioned bike maintenance tips can help you understand what to pay attention to when it comes to taking care of your two-wheeler.   *Standard T&C Apply Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.