Here’s a Comprehensive List of Factors to help You Select the Right Engine Oil and When to do it Motor oil is considered to be the blood of your bike’s engine; it is responsible for making the bike to perform smoothly, to be fuel efficient and to last as long as possible. Nevertheless, selecting an appropriate engine oil as well as deciding when it has to be changed sometimes creates confusion due the many choices present. In this blog post we will discuss the best types of engine oil for your bike and provide you with understandable tips about when to change it to ensure your bike’s optimal performance. Engine oil is a very important part of your bike that cannot be overlooked in any way.
Here’s why engine oil is important for bike?
Engine oil serves several critical functions, including:
Lubrication:
Minimizing contact pressures within the moving components of the device in order to decrease rubbing forces.
Cooling:
Removing heat produced by the engine so that the engine does not get hot or rather produce a high temperature.
Cleaning:
Cleaning the cylinders, bearings and other parts of an engine from deposit of dirt, debris and other products of combustion.
Protection:
Deposition of a shield to minimize loss of metal integrity and corrosion. If you don’t use the right engine oil, the performance of your bike will reduce, and you will be in for serious trouble with your engine.
When out shopping for engine oil, knowledge of various types of oil is vital.
Here are the main categories:
Mineral Oil:
This is a type derived from refined crude oil and is suitable for use in very old bicycles or engines with very small cc (Cubic Centimetres) of 150 or below. A medium runner which provides quite reasonable performance but needs replacement very often because of higher wear-out rates compared to others. Recommended Change Interval: Every 2,000–3,000 km.
Semi-Synthetic Oil:
A refined combination of a mineral and synthetic oil which offers economical prices complemented by acceptable performance. Designed for mid-size bicycles (150cc to 500cc) for enthusiasts who want better heat resistance and product durability. Recommended Change Interval: Every 5,000–6,000 km. Synthetic Oil:
Synthetically formulated with enhanced chemistry, the synthetic oil legislates higher performance, lasting and enhanced protection. Suits high-performance bikes and premium bikes as well as conditions which are extreme like; extremely hot or extremely cold. Recommended Change Interval: Every 7,000–10,000 km.
Six Important Things to Consider When Selecting Engine Oil:
Viscosity Grade:
SAE symbol (e.g., 10W-40) refers to the oil thickness and how easily it will flow or can be pumped. For the right type of sand, you can look into the manual of your bicycle to determine the grade recommended on the bike. Make it retain the correct thickness in the temperature range you will be riding in.
Manufacturer’s Recommendation:
Honestly, I want to always adhere to the recommendations described in my bike manual. This is because different oils may cause the engine to produce incorrect results something that will cause the warranty to be considered null and void.
Riding Conditions:
So, for the stop n go situation in cities and frequent acceleration and deceleration select better thermal stability. It is seen that on long highway runs the synthetic oil is more effective.
Oil Certifications:
A good sprinkler is recommended to have a rating in either API (American Petroleum Institute) or JASO (Japanese Automotive Standards Organization).
Best Engine Oil Companies:
Look through this list of engine oil brands that can be trusted and provide quality engine oils:
Motul: Renowned for their fully synthetic and semi-synthetic oils.
Castrol: Provides different types of oils suitable for diverse conditions as well as different types of bikes.
Shell Advance: Well known for their inexpensive cost as well as being able to perform well.
Liqui Moly: Expert in modified synthetic oils designed for sports bikes.
HP Lubricants: Known for their economical mineral oils.
How Long Should You Wait to Change Engine Oil:
The oil change period is based on numerous things such as the bike model, how often you ride, and the oil type. Here is a generic outline:
Based Upon Distance:
Mineral Oil: Every 2,000 – 3,000 kilometres.
Semi-Synthetic Oil: 5,000 – 6,000 kilometres.
Fully Synthetic Oil: 7,000 – 10,000 kilometres.
Based Upon Time:
Regardless of the distance travelled, change after 6 months for mineral oils and once a year for synthetic oils.
Based on Riding Conditions:
If the rider usually takes short trips or if there is a lot of traffic, the bike engine will have to work much harder.
When there are long distances and high speeds being ridden, the fully synthetic oils can be used for a lot longer times.
It Is Time for An Oil Change When:
The MXR oil starts to appear dark or gritty in colour.
Engine starts to become noisier and puts out more vibrations than usual or expected.
The bike consumes more fuel.
The engine overheats.
How to Change Engine Oil:
On your motorcycle, follow this process to change the engine oil if you do it yourself.
Get Your Bike Ready:
For a few minutes, heat the engine so that the oil can run smoothly.
Put a stand on the bike and make sure it is on flat ground.
Drain The Old Oil:
Find a container and place it under the drain plug.
Remove the plug and allow the oil to completely drain.
Replace The Oil Filter:
Take out the old oil filter and replace it with a new one.
Add New Oil:
Make sure to double-check with the manual for correct oil quantity, then pour it carefully.
Check the level of oil with dipstick or sight glass.
Dispose The Old Oil Responsibly:
Make sure to dispose the old oil at a recycling center or any disposal site that is authorized.
Tips For Maintaining Optimal Engine Oil Health:
Regular Checks:
Check the oil level and quality before your long ride or every two weeks.
Avoid Overfilling:
Do not fill the oil over the limit, as it may cause leaks and excessive pressure.
Use Quality Additives:
Using flour recommended by the manufacturer can boost oil performance.
Store Oil Properly:
Store sealed spare oil in a dry and cool area to maintain its quality.