Two-wheeler vehicles such as a scooty are ideal for comfortably navigating the chaotic traffic on Indian roads. But to keep it in a proper running condition, you must carry out regular maintenance of your scooty. If you ignore it, the scooty will start performing poorly, become sluggish over time, and eventually break down.
Keeping your two-wheeler in good condition is also essential to maximise its mileage and reduce other running costs. In this article, we have listed some essential scooty maintenance tips that you can easily follow.
How to Keep your Scooty in Good Condition?
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Regular Cleaning
Proper cleaning is one of the easiest ways to maintain your scooty's longevity. If you live in a polluted city or rural area, there is a good chance that the various parts of your scooty are clogged with grass, dirt, or debris. These factors not only affect engine performance but may also lead to engine failure.
Remember that cleaning a scooty requires special care and using detergent or soap may strip its paint. You can mix a small amount of alcohol with water and lightly rub it against your bike's surfaces. When finished, use a microfiber towel to soak the damp surfaces of the scooty.
Make sure not to spray water on the mechanical or electrical components while cleaning. You may have noticed that various local garages use fuel to clean the bike’s surface. However, while such an act may complete the cleaning task quickly, it will permanently remove the shine and paint from your scooty.
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Check the battery's health
Your scooty's battery is its heart and soul. It takes care of the energy requirements for the scooty’s many components. The battery in your two-wheeler stores electrical energy, which is then used for the smooth functioning of various parts such as headlights, self-start system, turn indicator, horn, etc.
In order to maintain the battery, you must regularly check its fluid levels. If the levels are down, refill it with distilled deionised water. Tap water should be avoided at all costs. Review the wiring of various components to ensure that they are properly connected to the battery. If your scooty is not going to be used for an extended period, disassemble or disconnect the battery.
Another piece of advice regarding a scooty’s battery is related to aftermarket installation. When you install a high-capacity light or modify other in-built electrical components, you place a significant load on the battery. This eventually reduces the battery’s life and affects its performance.
Also Read: List of Things to Do and Consider before Buying a Two-Wheeler -
Never put extra burden on your scooty’s engine
Many riders neglect this point and place unnecessary load on their scooty's engine. Remember that these two-wheelers are not designed for off-road riding. You are endangering your scooty's health if you use it to navigate difficult terrain. You must also avoid loading your scooty beyond its rated kerb weight capacity. In addition, you should avoid riding your scooty on steep inclines too frequently.
When you purchase a scooty on a two-wheeler loan, the dealer provides you with a user manual. The manual contains information regarding incline rating, maximum load capacity, and other guidelines crucial for your scooty's engine. You must always keep in mind these specifications when riding the scooty.
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Tyre conditions
Your scooty’s tyres suffer the most wear and tear during regular usage. With time, you will notice threads coming out of the tyres, which may cause them to skid on a wet road. If you feel that any tyre is losing its grip, it is better to replace it.
Apart from that, you must check the tyre pressure on a regular basis. Riding with an overinflated or underinflated tyre can lead to accident-causing injuries for you or a pedestrian on the road. According to various two-wheeler manufacturers, the recommended pressure for the front wheel is 22 Psi and the rear wheel is 28 Psi. When riding with a pillion rider, the optimum tyre pressure is 22 PSI for the front and 36 PSI for the rear.
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Never skip servicing
Servicing provides a detailed report on the condition of your bike. It is recommended that you service your bike every three months or at 1,000 kilometres of usage, whichever comes first.
Ensure that the mechanic replaces the oil and inspects the air filters during servicing. Also request them to pay close attention to the engine and look for any leaks.
Timely servicing can protect you from major repair costs for your scooty, which can become burdensome if you are already paying a two-wheeler loan interest on your vehicle’s finance.
Other Tips to Consider
- Clean your scooty's carburettor regularly. These pump the fuel and mix it with a specific amount of air for the engine’s operation. Carburettors function by utilising orifices, diaphragms, and ports. These components are easily clogged with dirt. Furthermore, you must seek the assistance of a mechanic to fine-tune its settings from time to time.
- Always use a good quality engine oil and make sure to replace it every 1000 to 1500 kilometres.
- Avoid parking your scooty under direct sunlight. Long exposure to the sun slowly evaporates the fuel in your two-wheeler, reducing its mileage. Direct sunlight is also bad for your scooty's paint. If you only use your scooty once a week, make sure it has a proper waterproof cover to keep away dirt and water.
Also Read: Top 10 Features To Look Out for in Your Brand New Motorcycle To Conclude
A little care and effort can increase your scooty’s life, save money on repairs, and keep you safe on the roads. However, following the scooty maintenance tips above solely will not suffice if you roughly ride your scooty. This means you must avoid excessive braking, sudden acceleration, and keep your scooty’s speed limit between 30 and 60 kilometres per hour when riding.
