Bike Maintenance : How To Keep Them Best & Cool In Summer
As the scorching summer season is approaching, start preparing for bike maintenance from heat or extreme sunlight exposure & ensure they stay cool all summer.
Not only extreme heat but there are high chances of dust collecting on the bike which you need to look out for.
Whether you use the vehicle for the daily commute or just ride it occasionally irrespective of season, you still need to take care of your bike & scooter.
For now, we are going to explore bike maintenance & the best actions to take during the harsh summer season.
Ideal condition of tyres for bike maintenance
Scientifically, we know that gas/air expands when exposed to high temperature/heat. Obviously, tyres expand when exposed to high temperatures or heat. When the air expands, it puts pressure on the tyre which results in cracks or any damage.
Tyres need to be kept at an ideal pressure point, neither too high nor too low. Specifically in summer, since they tend to expand when exposed to high temperatures or heat conditions.
Typically, treads on the tyres get worn out. So investing in good quality tyres is important but also taking care of them during burning weather conditions. Tyre pressure is very important & equally responsible for the performance of the bike.
To know more about two-wheeler tyre maintenance, read this detailed blog post on how to take care of bike tyres.
Essential Fluids
Fluids are one of the main reasons two-wheelers can function. They are also essential to keep the bike a bit cooler & lubricated, especially during the summer.
Keep an eye on fuels & oils used for your bike & scooter for a smooth run. From petrol to brake oil & engine oil, it is important to frequently check every fluid used for the bike without skipping it.
Various cooling systems in two-wheelers
Some two-wheelers use an air-based cooling system which must be fully clean for the coolant to function properly. So make sure to do it frequently. Due to dust accumulation, the engine may suffer a lot and it hinders the engine from clearing the air & it will become heated when you are riding the vehicle.
In the case of a liquid-cooled two-wheeler, it might lose its functioning capacity over time so the cooling fluid needs to be changed regularly. To safeguard the two-wheeler vehicle from the blazing heat, refill the radiator with great quality coolant liquid which provides quicker cool down effect.
The motorbike & scooter works much harder during scorching heat & it also endures more strain, so replenish the fluids often without letting it go below the ideal quantity.
You can never be sure about temperature rises during summer. If you ever decide to go on a road trip or get stuck in traffic in the blistering sun heat, the bike has more chances of getting damaged in such scenarios.
Although a liquid-cooled engine may help the vehicle balance heat, it still needs a good quality coolant liquid at a recommended quantity to maintain the engine heat.
Apart from that, be sure to inspect the radiator fan often. It can be damaged due to a mechanical fault & may stop working. If that happens, coolant replacement will not be of any help.
Stop loading the tank full
One of the most common oversights during summer is filling the fuel tank to the brim. Oil tends to expand due to extreme heat in the summer and when you fill it to the tee, it has no space to inflate.
The engine & other elements get heated when you run the bike, the heat from outside adds to that temperature which leads to oil leakage.
Any kind of leakage or overflow is seriously damaging & dangerous to the two-wheeler and the rider. Due to the fluid spillage, the other bike parts may get damaged leading it to malfunction & it will also lower the fuel efficiency. To avoid dealing with such concerns, ensure to fill the fuel a little below the recommended mark during every summer season.
If you park your vehicle under direct sunlight, there are high chances of fuel overflow/leakage. To curb such instances ensure to keep some room in the fuel tank.
For better bike maintenance take care of electric parts
There are always chances of fuses blasting because of electric parts damage due to high temperatures. Always bring some additional fuses whenever you are on a ride. You can keep them in the storage unit of your scooter or bike and change them in case of fuses blowing up in the middle of a ride.
Try to keep your bike in the shade & keep it covered
Most of your two-wheeler vehicleโs outer body is vulnerable to extreme heat. And exposure to sunlight for longer hours, be it seat covers which make it entirely uncomfortable to sit & ride, the plastics might crack, the paint which tends to fade & metals may lose their polish & shine.
The intensity of this damage will only rise during the summer season due to the direct scorching sunbeams.
It is extremely essential that you have a great quality bike cover to keep the vehicle shielded or park your two-wheeler under the shade to avoid damage to any extent.
Also, the bike cover material has to be light-coloured & needs to let the vehicle breathe since dark-toned fabrics absorb the heat.
A thin layer or mesh kind of fabric cover would suit the vehicle to be breathable & also shielded from severe heat without causing any further damage.
Additional tips for bike maintenance apart from the above mentioned:
Engine Lubrication is another important aspect for bike maintenance
Lubricating the engine strengthens its functioning & creates less friction. Excessive friction can result in intensification of heat in the summer season. Lubricants help as a coolant & ensure smooth functioning. Make sure to dust and clean the engine prior to lubricating for higher efficiency.
Good Quality Polish or Wax
Polishing and waxing not only improve the two-wheelerโs outer aesthetic but also provide some amount of protection. Make sure to clean, polish and wax your vehicle more frequently in the summer season.
It is preferable to frequently use branded wax and polish that provides shielding from harmful rays to the paint and can be prevented from fading since it acts as an additional layer.
Watch this simple clip of Teflon Coating process to protect the bike paint by our Himaalayaa TVS Service Centre’s trained technicians.
Do you need supreme quality waxing & polishing for your TVS two-wheeler Or lubricants or genuine spare parts? Himaalayaa TVS service centre has you covered. Visit the Authorised TVS service centre at Lalbagh main road to get your TVS bike service.
Use of Nitrogen
Natural air as mentioned above can expand due to high temperatures so instead make use of pure nitrogen which is immune to expansion. You may have to do quite a search for it specifically, as nitrogen may not be available widely. But if it is available for you then nitrogen is more recommended.
Air filter, Clean chain & lubricate
Summer heat also comes with more dust in the atmospheric air which amplifies two-wheeler air filter blockage. This eventually strains the air filter and it can become potentially damaged to the brink of replacement.
It is vital to clean & check a two-wheeler’s air filter regularly during the summer season. If in case of severe damage replace it immediately. (Check out how air filters affect on engine here)
Not only dust but the heat rise also leads the chain to be drier and soiled quickly. It is better to clean thoroughly and lubricate the chain often in summer than in any other month.
Here is a quick video of General Service of a TVS Bike done by the trained technicians at Himaalayaa TVS Service Centre.
Vehicle Insurance – A significant action to take for bike maintenance
As we saw many solutions to beat the heat and keep the two-wheeler cool in the summer season, another best measure you can take is applying for a good two-wheeler insurance plan. You can take very good care of your two-wheeler but it still requires additional safety in the form of insurance for a good measure.
Comparing & purchasing a comprehensive & reasonable two-wheeler insurance plan is a really good option in the long term. You can also purchase them online quite conveniently.ย Vehicle insurance adds another layer of security & provides help when the two-wheeler needs heavy damage repair & support.
If you already have an insurance plan in place, make sure to renew it regularly so that you can claim it when you are in need.
If you would like to purchase Two-wheeler insurance or need a renewal of insurance, Himaalayaa TVS Showroom located near Shanthinagar can help you with that. We have collaborated with various finance partners to provide you with a suitable insurance plan.
Conclusion
If you have read till here then we understand that purchasing a two-wheeler vehicle can be quite a lot & adding service maintenance costs every year is not going to be pocket-friendly.
So, we emphasize regularly checking your two-wheeler in summer or any season is very important.
If you follow these simple tips mentioned above, you may be able to manage your bike or scooter to be in great condition. We hope that the points that are made here can be helpful to you.
Himaalayaa TVS – An Authorised TVS Main Dealer can also assist in two-wheeler loans for you to purchase your dream ride. Visit Our Authorised TVS Showroom, to learn more about the bike loan offers we have in place.