Are you ready for a ride on your motorcycle, eager to feel the freedom of the open road? There's nothing quite like the excitement of a bike journey, whether it's a quick commute or a leisurely scenic ride. But what happens when that joy is interrupted by a sputtering engine or a complete stall?
Often, the reason is something as simple as low engine oil. That's why regularly checking and maintaining your bike's oil level is essential. It helps prevent these disruptions and ensures your rides stay smooth and trouble-free. Let’s explore how to routinely check your bike's engine oil and keep it road-ready and reliable.
Steps On How To Check Engine Oil Level In Bike
Engine oil is essentially a lubricant for your bike’s engine components. It also reduces friction, prevents wear, and helps cool the engine by removing heat from moving parts. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to check the engine oil level:
- Prepare Your Bike: Make sure your motorcycle is on a flat surface and has been turned off for a few minutes. This allows the oil to settle in the sump and provides an accurate reading. Ensure the engine is cool enough to touch but still slightly warm, as this prevents the oil from thickening due to excessive cooling, which can skew the reading.
- Locate the Dipstick/Oil Window: Identify whether your bike uses a dipstick or an oil inspection window. They are commonly found on the side of the engine.
- Dipstick: A dipstick typically has a ring or loop for pulling and is often screwed into a tube that dips into the oil pan.
- Oil Window: An oil window is a clear glass or plastic window with high and low marks.
- Checking Engine Oil Level Through the Dipstick:
- Locate the Dipstick: Find the dipstick on your bike, which is typically secured on the top or side of the engine.
- Clean the Dipstick: Take the dipstick out and clean it gently using a lint-free cloth. This removes any residual oil that could skew the reading.
- Insert and Remove Again: To check the oil level put the dipstick back into its tube and then take it out again.
- Check the Level: Ensure the oil mark is between the minimum and maximum lines. An oil level below the minimum indicates that your bike needs more oil.
- Checking Engine Oil Level Through the Oil Level Window
- Find the Level Window: Locate the oil level window, generally found at the lower part of the engine casing.
- Check Oil Level: Keep the bike upright and stable, and look through the window to see where the oil level lies relative to the high and low markings.
- Top Up as Needed: Add oil gradually if the oil level is near or below the lower marker. Be careful not to overfill.
- Colour and Clarity: Good oil is generally amber in colour and fairly clear. The oil turns darker as it deteriorates, indicating contamination or wear. Regularly checking the oil’s colour can help assess its condition and determine when it needs replacing.
- Smell and Texture: If the oil feels gritty or smells burnt, it is a sign that it needs to be changed.
- Metal Particles: The presence of metallic particles can indicate internal wear. Consult with a mechanic if you observe this.
- Top Up the Oil: Use the type and grade of oil recommended in your motorcycle’s manual. Pour the oil slowly into the engine by periodically checking the level to ensure you do not exceed the maximum mark. Taking your time during this process ensures proper oil distribution and prevents overfilling, which can lead to engine issues. Regularly monitoring the oil level is a simple but effective way to maintain engine health.
- Important Points to Keep in Mind
- Stance: Ensure the bike is upright and not leaning to one side during the check.
- Temperature: Perform the check when the engine is warm for a more accurate level reading.
- Regular Maintenance: Check the engine oil level regularly every few weeks or before long trips—it helps detect leaks or changes in oil quality early.