4 Scooter Maintenance Tips
Owning any vehicle requires a degree of maintenance, and your scooter is no different. Most people would prefer to be riding on the open road rather than cleaning air filters or checking the tire pressure in the driveway, but these tasks are necessary for the longevity of your machine. Take good care of it, and it will take good care of you. The list of essential maintenance jobs for scooters is rather long, so we’ve compiled a shortlist covering some often-forgotten areas of scooter maintenance. Let’s dive in.
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1. Use a Scooter Cover
Many scooter and motorcycle owners neglect to invest in a scooter cover, even though it has a significant effect on your vehicle’s maintenance for a relatively small price tag. Scooter covers RTV-X1120 General Purpose have several functions, including:
- • Protecting your vehicle from the sun’s harmful UV rays
- • Reducing damage caused by rain, including acid rain
- • Regulating your scooter’s temperature, protecting from both high and low temperatures
- • Guarding against tree sap, bird droppings, dirt, dust, and other harmful pollutants
- • Resisting rot, mold, and mildew
- • Acting as a deterrent against theft
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Using a cover can save you from costly maintenance, such as restoring sun-damaged paintwork, so it’s a good idea to get into the habit of tucking your bike in at night. Covers are vital if you park your scooter outdoors, but they are also handy protection from dust and dampness in a garage. When parking your scooter indoors, consider investing in a lightweight and breathable cover like the Indoor Black Satin Shield Scooter Cover from CarCovers.com. This indoor cover is made of ultra-soft black satin that protects the bodywork on your scooter against scratches. It’s stretchy, making it easy to put on while maintaining a form-fitting final position on your bike for maximum coverage. The durable, synthetic material naturally resists mold and mildew, making it the ideal cover for storing your scooter inside a potentially damp garage.
2. Clean Your Scooter Regularly
Cleaning your scooter is about more than just aesthetics, though your bike will certainly look at its best after a good wash. Cleaning, polishing, and waxing are vital scooter maintenance for preventing corrosion and the build-up of damaging dirt. Keep your scooter on a regular cleaning scheduling, but also give it an extra wash after a particularly tough or dirty ride—for instance, if the roads are wet from the rain. However, you should never wash your bike when the engine or pipes are hot because they could be damaged when they come in contact with cold water.
Use a sponge or soft cloth and cool water, taking care not to squirt water on the engine elements and electrical parts. Don’t scrub excessively or use an abrasive cloth. Once you’ve finished, take your bike out for a quick spin. Doing this ensures any clogged-up water evaporates before it causes rust damage, not to mention it gives you a chance to show off your sparkling motor.
3. Don’t Neglect Your Air Filter
Your scooter’s air filter guarantees the right amount of clean air gets to the engine to burn fuel and create power. Having a dirty filter affects your engine power and, if the filter is damaged, it can cause problems by allowing particles to pass into your scooter’s combustion chambers.
How often you clean your scooter’s air filter will depend on how you use your scooter. A good rule is to clean it every 3,000 miles. However, if you ride on dirt roads, this schedule will be much more frequent. The best cleaning method depends on the type of filters you have. Some require filter oil, while others should be cleaned with a gentle air compressor. Air filter manufacturers often have cleaning kits for their specific filters, which is a great place to start when trying to improve your scooter maintenance.
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4. Keep an Eye on Your Tire Pressure
Having the correct tire pressure is not only crucial for your safety but lowers your fuel consumption and helps protect your tires from wear. Your owner’s manual will tell you what the tire pressure should be for your scooter. Get into the habit of checking your tires regularly, especially before you go on a long journey. Never rely on guessing the pressure. Instead, purchase a tire pressure gauge. Always measure pressure when the tires are cold and, while you’re at it, inspect the treads for wear and tear.
Stay on Top of Your Scooter Maintenance
There are many essential steps to keeping your scooter in good shape. In addition to the often-forgotten jobs discussed here, chores such as checking the gaskets and brake linings will make all the difference to how your scooter drives and how long it lasts.
With so many tasks to keep up with, why not make a checklist to keep track of them? Divide your list according to how often a job needs doing, for instance, every month or every year. Add the date that you last did a job to the list. This way, nothing will fall through the cracks, and your scooter will always be in top condition.
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