Most of us are closely attached to our vehicles and want them to last forever. Whether it is because of this attachment or to avoid the expense of a new one, we keep wondering about ways to maximise the longevity of our two-wheeler.
Vehicles are machines, and they are sure to undergo wear and tear. However, with a little attention and regular care, you can extend the life of your vehicle by some years. Given how important two-wheelers are to Indian households, their deterioration and loss of function can be detrimental to entire families, especially since bike insurance does not cover many issues concerning regular wear and tear.
In this post, let us discuss a few effective tips to ensure your two-wheeler lasts as long as possible.
Avoid Rough Riding
One of the best ways to extend your bike’s life is to focus on riding quality. Make sure you avoid rash riding as it poses a danger to you and affects the vehicle’s performance over time.
Ensure that gear switching and clutch pressing is always in sync and that your speed matches the gear the bike is in. Any mismatch between the speed and the gear can put extra load on the engine, which can cause many problems if repeated.
Ensure Regular Servicing
Servicing the two-wheeler regularly will ensure it performs to its maximum potential. How often you should service the vehicle depends on its age and use. You should consult a reputed mechanic to determine your two-wheeler’s servicing schedule.
While getting your vehicle serviced, you should see that the tyres, brakes, headlights, indicators and wiring are checked, engine oil is changed when needed, and the chain is lubricated.
You should also apply an anti-rust coating as required and ensure the use of only reliable components and materials for repair and service.
Don’t Overload the Vehicle
You can’t expect your two-wheeler to have a long life if it is being pushed beyond capacity. Putting a lot of workload on the vehicle can hamper its performance.
If you are, for example, using your motorcycle to travel about 50 km every day and making long road trips regularly, it will certainly break down at a point.
It is important to manage the two-wheeler’s workload. A higher load and usage translate to greater maintenance and repair expenses.
Maintain Cleanliness
To ensure a long life for your vehicle, look to clean it regularly. Try to maintain basic cleanliness and hygiene for your bike.
Wipe your vehicle often with soapy water and cloth and ensure no dirt or debris gets deposited on the surface.
If you have ridden on a muddy path, you need to work harder to clean the lower areas of the vehicle. Dirt can spoil the two-wheeler’s look and interfere with the engine’s working. A dirty bike can invite several problems that can eventually threaten its longevity.
Be Proactive
One of the best ways to keep your vehicle functioning optimally for longer is to be proactive about maintenance. Whether you see damage in the mirror or a minor fluid leaking from the battery, make sure you don’t ignore any problems.
Address any minor repair quickly to prevent it from becoming a big issue that affects your vehicle’s health and increases costs. Riding your two-wheeler with problems can result in major complications that can be difficult to resolve.
Ride Wisely
While some bikes are designed for high performance and speed, it is not advisable to ride on them too often. An effective way to extend the life of your two-wheeler is to use it properly. See that you always ride below the speed limits and avoid abrupt acceleration and braking.
Overspeeding can result in overheating and engine damage. Also, avoid giving your vehicle to random people, as they may not handle it as well as you do. They may damage the bike and leave you to bear the repair costs.
Check and Change the Engine Oil Regularly
It is also a crucial step in ensuring your two-wheeler’s longevity. Make sure you check the quality of the engine oil and its level before and after long rides.
You should also change the oil after riding every 2000 miles. While some vehicles have a longer oil-changing schedule, replacing it before the scheduled time extends the engine life. Also, see that you use only the oil grade recommended for your vehicle.
Conclusion
A two-wheeler is an ideal mode of transportation on Indian roads. Hence, keeping it in top-notch condition for a long time is important to reduce maintenance costs and your bike insurance premiums. We hope the tips mentioned above will prove useful to you.
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