Safety Tips for Changing Your Bike's Engine Oil

We are sure that your two-wheeler is one of your most prized possessions. If you are an adventure junkie, you probably engage yourself in some serious off-roading with it or test its mettle during biking trips on challenging terrains. So, to ensure your motorcycle always performs optimally, it is important to keep it in the best condition possible. One thing you must do to maintain your bike’s health is changing its oil on a timely basis. If you fail to adhere to a strict schedule for the same, the overall performance of the bike will deteriorate much faster than it is supposed to. Hence, changing the engine oil is as important as having bike insurance for your favourite on-road companion. But there are certain safety tips you must know about ahead of going forward with the changing of oil. Let’s learn more about when to change the engine oil in a bike and other things.

Guidelines for Safely Changing Your Motorcycle's Engine Oil

1. Maintain Proper Frequency

Experts recommend that a bike owner needs to change the oil of their two-wheeler every six months or every 2000 kilometers. If you fail to do so, as mentioned before, the performance of your bike will suffer. You will notice the sound of the engine getting louder than it is supposed to be, a decrease in mileage, overheating of the engine, and an increase in the friction between its internal components, among other things. Hence, it is critical to replace your bike’s oil on time.

2. Keep all your Gear Handy

Replacing your oil could prove to be an intricate process. It requires you to be prepared with all the required gear and the service manual of the bike in hand. The gear you will need is a can of fresh engine oil, a measuring beaker, a funnel, a new oil filter, a drain pan, a dipstick, and some elementary tools to open and close nuts and bolts. Refer to your bike’s service manual, as it will tell you about the exact kind and quantity of oil you will need for your bike.

3. Mount your Bike on its Double-stand

Before you begin changing the engine oil of your bike, you must ensure that your two-wheeler is mounted on its double stand. Doing the same is important for two reasons. One, it will be easier for you to drain out the used oil if the bike is mounted on its double stand, and two, the overall bike-oil-changing operation will progress at a smoother pace. If your bike only has a kickstand, consider getting a paddock stand so that you can easily change your bike oil on your own.

4. Use the Quality and the Grade of Oil Recommended by the Manufacturer

Just like with any product, bike engine-oils are available at all kinds of price points. The ones that are priced on the lower end of the spectrum are usually adulterated and not as translucent as engine oil should be. Your service technician will encourage you to go with the affordable variant to save money. But you must keep in mind that the cost-effective ones will ultimately cost you in the long run, as it would contribute to the deterioration of the performance of your bike. Therefore, it is recommended that you go for the exact bike oil that is mentioned in your service manual or the ones that are recommended by dealers of repute.

5. Change your Oil Filter

Before the engine oil can perform its job, it passes through an apparatus known as an oil filter. The oil filter, as the name suggests, extracts all the particles and contaminants from the oil before it flows through the different components of the engine. Therefore, over time, the oil filter gets clogged. It is due to this reason that you must also change the filter at the time of replacing the engine oil.

Importance of Regularly Changing Bike Engine Oil

Changing your bike's engine oil regularly is critical for engine health. Over time, engine oil can become contaminated with dirt and metal particles, leading to increased friction and wear. If not replaced, it can cause the engine to overheat and reduce its efficiency. Experts suggest changing the oil every six months or after every 2000 kilometres to keep the engine in good condition. By following this schedule, you can ensure your motorbike's engine oil performs optimally, preventing costly repairs in the long run.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Bike Engine Oil

When changing engine oil, gather all the necessary tools and materials. These include fresh engine oil, an oil filter, a funnel, a measuring beaker, a drain pan, a dipstick, and basic tools for opening and closing nuts and bolts. Then, mount the bike on its double stand to ensure stability and easier oil drainage. Next, remove the oil drain plug and let the used oil flow into the drain pan. Once the oil is drained, replace the oil filter with a new one to ensure effective filtration. Afterwards, pour the fresh engine oil into the engine using a funnel to avoid spillage. Be sure to check the bike's service manual for the correct type and amount of oil to use. Finally, secure the drain plug and start the engine to check for leaks or unusual noises.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Changing Engine Oil

1. Using the Wrong Oil Type: Selecting oil that doesn’t meet your vehicle’s specifications can harm engine performance. Always refer to the owner's manual for the correct grade and type.
2. Not Replacing the Oil Filter: Reusing an old oil filter can lead to contaminants entering the engine. Replace the oil filter during every oil change for optimal protection.
3. Overtightening the Drain Plug: Excessive force can damage the threads or the oil pan. Tighten the drain plug to the recommended torque specification.
4. Adding Too Much or Too Little Oil: Incorrect oil levels can cause engine damage. Use the dipstick to check the level and fill as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
5. Skipping Cleaning Steps: Failing to clean the drain plug or oil filter mounting area can introduce debris into the engine, causing potential damage.
6. Ignoring Safety Precautions: Working without proper tools or on an unstable surface can lead to accidents. Use quality tools and ensure the vehicle is securely lifted.
7. Draining Oil When the Engine Is Cold: Cold oil is thicker and drains slowly. Warm the engine slightly to ensure a thorough drain.
8. Disposing of Used Oil Improperly: Dumping used oil in the trash or on the ground is illegal and harmful to the environment. Dispose of it at a recycling center or an authorized facility.

Conclusion

It is important to take care of your bike by changing its engine oil periodically to ensure longevity. Similarly, it is also important for you to get a bike insurance policy for it. These days, you can increase the scope of its coverage by padding it with add-on riders such as engine protector insurance. * Standard T&C Apply If you are indeed in the market looking for a bike insurance policy, look at what Bajaj Allianz has to offer. On the website of Bajaj Allianz, you can also compare bike insurance prices with the help of our two wheeler insurance premium calculator and go for the one that fits your needs and your pocket best. Take a look at it right away!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of oil should I use for my bike?

The type of oil for your bike depends on the manufacturer's recommendation. Typically, motorbike engine oil comes in mineral, semi-synthetic, and synthetic varieties. Check your bike's manual for the correct grade and type of oil.

2. How often should I change my bike's engine oil?

Changing engine oil every six months or after every 2000 kilometers is generally recommended. This schedule can vary depending on your bike's make, model, and usage. Consult your bike's service manual for specific intervals to ensure optimal engine health and performance.

3. Can I reuse the old oil filter?

Reusing an old oil filter is not advisable. The oil filter collects contaminants from the engine oil, and reusing it can lead to clogs and reduced engine efficiency. Always replace the oil filter with a new one when changing your two-wheeler’s engine oil to ensure proper filtration.

4. Is it normal for some oil to spill during the change?

Yes, a small amount of oil spillage is common during an oil change. However, excessive spillage could indicate improper handling or an error in the process. Use a drain pan and a funnel to minimize spillage, and tighten all connections properly to prevent leaks.

5. What should I do if I accidentally spill oil on my skin?

If oil spills on your skin, immediately wash the affected area with soap and warm water. Prolonged skin contact with engine oil can irritate. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.

6. Can I dispose of used oil and filters in the regular trash?

No, disposing of used oil and filters in regular trash is unsafe and harmful to the environment. Instead, take the used oil and filters to a designated recycling centre or hazardous waste disposal site.   * Standard T&C Apply ** Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.