It is essential that you maintain your motorcycle in peak condition at all times. Your bike needs to perform, and even the slightest mechanical issue may result in a serious accident. Properly maintaining your motorcycle can be even more difficult in the winter months. You may still be able to ride your motorcycle in the winter months, but you must pay extra attention to maintenance to increase your own personal safety. Here are some tips for properly maintaining your motorcycle in the winter months.
Why Is it So Important to Maintain My Motorcycle During the Winter?
You may or may not decide to ride your bike during the winter months. Either way, you should still pay close attention to maintenance. A motorcycle sitting Idol can still develop mechanical issues because of the cold weather. Your bike may even be in storage, but you should prepare it thoroughly before storing it if you are actively using your motorcycle. You should inspect it on a daily basis, or at least before and after you ride it.
Placing a bicycle in storage can cause its own issues. Your bike may have a year’s worth of solvents and corrosive materials that must be washed off before storing it. In addition, the motorcycle resting in one place can harm the tires. Finally, you should make sure that the gas tank is completely full because a half-empty tank can cause corrosion.
Does Winter Weather Affect My Tires?
Winter weather can degrade your motorcycle tires. The extreme cold that occurs overnight in the winter can result in fluctuations in tire pressure. When the weather drops, the tire pressure can decrease considerably. The constant changes can affect the rubber in the tires. You should check your motorcycle tires every time before you get on the road to ensure their structural integrity.
Bike Cleanliness Can Impact Safety
Numerous pollutants are on the road during the winter months. Authorities may treat road surfaces with salt prior to winter storms. These salts have powerful chemicals that can affect your bike. They may even have a corrosive effect, causing rust. Make sure to keep your motorcycle clean at all times, especially after winter storms. You should turn the bike off after every ride and make sure that the lights are clean. Try to apply an anti-rust spray to any parts of your bike that may be vulnerable to rust.
If you intend to use the bike during the winter months, you may also need to keep the chain lubricated. Road salt can rust the chain very easily, so you should make sure to clean it regularly. Similarly, you should also lubricate any other moving parts of the bike because of the corrosive effects of chemicals on the roadway.
Should I Change the Oil Before and During the Winter?
Preferably, you should change the oil and the filter prior to the winter months, regardless of whether you intend to store the bike. Starting a motorcycle on a cold day can place an intense strain on the engine. Your motorcycle engine needs as much lubricant as possible to avoid damage, so you should have fresh oil on the bike. Consider changing the oil more frequently if you use the motorcycle during winter.
Contact a Montgomery County Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Bikers Have Rights
A Montgomery County motorcycle accident lawyer at Bikers Have Rights can help you if you have been injured in an accident. The motorcycle accident claims process can be difficult. You can schedule a free initial consultation by calling us today at 215-525-1616 or 877-333-0300 or by filling out an online contact form. Our office is located in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, and we serve clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.