Maintenance of a Scooter
Thursday, November 15, 2018 12:55:26 AM Asia/Calcutta
1. Keep a check on the engine oil
It is suggested the engine oil be replaced or changed every 1500 kilometres. Engine oil is an
essential factor that governs vehicle performance and maintains the life of the engine. For a new scooter, it is advisable to change oil within 300-500 kilometres. Use high-quality oil that is good for your scooter. Remember to replace the engine oil as suggested in the owner’s manual. Most of the 4 stroke scooter use 10-30W or 15-40W engine oil. For more clarity on what engine oil is good for your scooter get in touch with our mechanic at Autodrome.
2. Check on your tyres
For longer tyre life, keep a regular check on your tyres. Inappropriate or inadequate air pressure exerts extra pressure on the tyre during every ride. This also increases the friction between the surface of the road and the tyre further increasing tyre depreciation rate. This is not a good thing especially when you have pneumatic tyres. It is recommended to maintain optimal air pressure as advised by the manufacturer or as printed in the user manual. Always, make sure that the tyres have proper air pressure. It is recommended that you check the pressure twice a month. If the tyre does not have adequate pressure, they are susceptible to more wear and tear compared to tyres with proper air pressure. High wear and tear means you might have to replace your tyres more often resulting in increased maintenance cost.
3. Spark Plug maintenance
The spark plug produces the energy required for ignition and for that the electrodes on the spark plug need to be clean and sharp to produce the powerful spark. If the spark plug is dirty or worn out it would require a greater push and effort to produce adequate and powerful spark for ignition. If you haven’t used your vehicle for few days, the first ignition needs to be tugged repeatedly to start the vehicle. A damaged spark plug may lead to excessive fuel consumption, deposits on cylinder head and oil dilution. Fortunately, spark plugs are one of the easiest and most inexpensive engine components that can be replaced.
4. Keep your carburettor clean
Carburettors are responsible for pumping fuel and mixing it with air at a specific rate. Cleaning a
carburettor is paramount as it does all the work with the tiny diaphragms, ports and orifices that
can be easily contaminated. It needs to be carefully cleaned. Do consider taking professional
help for making any adjustments.
5. Keep your vehicle clean
Keep your scoter clean, out of debris and dust accumulation. Use a soft damp cloth and clean
the surface of the vehicle. Use scooter cleaners or soap regularly—at least once a week. Clean
off the mud and dirt. Do not rinse and leave off the vehicle to dry. Wipe off the water with a soft
fibre cloth.
6. Park in the shade
Always make sure your scooter is parked in shade and protect your scooter from dust, moisture
and sunlight. Extreme weather conditions can damage the body of your vehicle. Exposing it to
rain and hot temperatures can slowly cause damage to your vehicle. In case of unavoidable
exposure, make sure to cover your vehicle with a waterproof cover.
7. Keep a check on the battery
Your vehicle’s battery is one of the most important components. For a longer run, the ends of
the battery should be corrosion free. Replace or recharge your battery regularly for instant start
of your vehicle. Remember to switch off the lights before turning the engine on and off. Leaving
the lights on and extensive use of horn might drain your battery.
8. Regular Inspection
However dedicated and responsibly you take care and maintain your scooter, a yearly inspection by a professional or a local mechanic is absolutely necessary. This helps in identifying problems that might be difficult to notice and you can avoid a lot of expense incurred through damages. It also helps make essential repairs to the vehicle. If you haven’t taken your vehicle for an inspection lately, it’s time you made an appointment with our professionals at Autodrome for general services.