5 Tips To Changing Your Motorcycle Oil
Learning how to change motorcycle oil is the first thing you need to do as soon as you buy a motorcycle. Remember the bike is made up of parts that rub against each other. So, you need to ensure that it is well oiled to avoid excessive heat and to ensure that it works optimally. Learning how to change the oil will save you from hiring a mechanic who will charge you a few dollars to do the job. Unfortunately, most people think that changing oil is rocket science.
They believe that it is difficult to master the activity and so, it should be done by a mechanic. Here are the five things you need to do when changing the oil.
- Buy quality oil
The first thing you need to do is to visit a reliable dealer like solomotoparts and buy quality oils. You will then need to choose a spot where you will use to change the oil. Remember when you allow oils to spill all over the place, it could become an eyesore. So, ensure that you identify a spot before you embark on oil changing exercise. It is advisable that you make a make a stand on which to put the motorcycle when changing the oil. Put the drain under the bolt to collect the old oil from your motorbike. Use an appropriate tool to open the bolt and allow the oil to drain on the pan.
- Changing the filter
Use a filter wrench to unscrew the filter. You should take some care lest you damage the filter and allow contaminants to find their way into the engine. If it is too tight punch a screwdriver through it and loosen it up. Fill a new filter with some fresh oil. Ensure the oil is a quarter full and shake it a little bit to allow the filter material to wet with oil. Next, apply some oil to make the rubber seal wet. Soaking the seal makes it easier to remove it when changing the oil next time.
- Change the filter
Clean the area around the filter and screw a new filter in place. Use your hand to tighten the new filter in place. Check and ensure that you don’t over tighten it. Also, check the manual and confirm the oil capacity before pouring it. Use a funnel to add the recommended amount of oil. Do not overfill the oil since it will only add unnecessary pressure to the seal and lessen the life of the engine.
- Clean it
Once you have changed the oil and confirmed that the level is ok, return all the bolts and caps. The drained oil should be kept in a container. Don’t pour it on the grass since it pollutes the environment.
- Double check
Once you are through, double-check to ensure that everything is in place. Check the filter, the fill cap, and the drain bolt. Ensure that everything is in the right place before you start riding the motorcycle.
As you can see, the process of changing the oil in a motorcycle is as simple as 1, 2, and 3. But after you are through, ensure that you clean the place and dispose of the drained oil responsibly.