When Should Your Motorcycle’s Oil and Oil Filter Be Changed?

Just like you do not skip on renewing your policy bike insurance each year, you need to be cautious about maintaining your bike too. Keeping your bike in good condition will ensure it works smoothly and functions as intended, without any hiccups. Among the different repairs that are frequently required for your bike, changing the oil is critical. Oil helps the components of the engine to stay lubricated and operate without friction. The oil filter, in this process, helps by holding on to the metal shavings that otherwise would damage the internal components. In addition, the oil filter helps to remove particles and other contaminants that are present in the oil. Thus, the oil and the oil filter are critical components to keep the engine running smoothly. Changing the oil is a simple and quick process as compared to other engine-related repairs. Hence, as a bike owner, you must periodically replace and top up the oil levels of your bike as directed by the manufacturer.

Why does the engine oil need to be replaced?

Oil is an important fluid for your bike, having a critical role to play. Diligently, it needs to be replaced from time to time. If ignored, it gets spoilt and can even degrade. Engine oil contains several chemicals that help control the engine temperature. But the same oil, if unused for a long time, degrades by breaking down into harmful chemicals that end up damaging the engine. Further, upon use, as the oil circulates in the engine, it loses its efficacy. Thus, the performance of the oil degrades over time, whether used, or not making it essential to be replaced at certain intervals.

How often should the oil be replaced?

There is no set rule as to when you must change your engine oil. Every manufacturer states this frequency based on factors like the model and the make of the bike, its use, and the viscosity of the oil. However, for modern-day bikes, an oil change is advisable every six months if you use your bike casually. Otherwise, you can even change it every year, at the time you renew your comprehensive or third-party bike insurance policy. * New buyers often believe that an oil change won’t be necessary if they do not ride much. However, there is a higher chance of the oil getting degraded since it does not get adequately heated, circulated in the engine, and then cooled. Automotive experts recommend the bike be ridden at least twice a month for half an hour. Moreover, in deciding when you need to change your engine oil, you can refer to your bike’s service manual. In addition, different grades of oil are recommended based on the engine’s cubic capacity and heat generated. At present, there are three types of oils available: synthetic, semi-synthetic, and mineral oil.

Do you need to change your oil filter when changing your oil?

Yes, it is best to change the oil filter each time you replace your engine oil. Bikes have a full filtration process where the oil flows to the engine only after passing through the filter. Thus, the filter is the part to which contaminants latch on. Further, the oil filter will reduce the maintenance cost of your bike. If the metal shavings damage the piston and crankshaft, the repairs required may be steep. Hence, it is best to change the oil filter instead of using a clogged oil filter that does not do its job as intended. * While your reminders help you remember to renew your bike insurance policy each year, make sure to set reminders for changing the oil and the oil filter. A damaged engine block will cost you more than the simple replacements of the oil and the oil filter. However, remember to select a comprehensive bike insurance policy to cover unexpected damages to your bike. A two-wheeler insurance premium calculator is a nifty tool that can help you compare the available options best suited for your needs. * * 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.