Bike Servicing Tips You Must Follow!

Posted on: Feb 8, 2022 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Bike Servicing Tips You Must Follow!

Mini-Guide to Maintenance of Bikes

Bike owners are primarily unaware of the particulars of bike servicing and maintenance. Although owner manuals are provided, people hardly read them. They check the manual only while going for the free service offered by the authorized service centre. Many bike owners also start getting services done from the local garages. Thus, they have to rely on the local mechanic’s expertise to suggest and replace the parts and are often left in doubt of being cheated.

At the time of Pre-delivery

The dealer ensures things like correct engine oil level, electrical status, tyre pressure, and accessories, if any, to be fitted before the bike is handed over to its owner. A manual is also provided to maintain service records and proves helpful for warranty claims.

Warranty

Most bikes have a warranty period of two years or 30000 KM, whichever is earlier. The warranty is applicable only if the bike is faulty due to material/workmanship from the manufacturer. Repairs, in that case, would be done free of cost, including labour charges and spares. However, it’s mandatory to get all bike services done at the authorized service centre and keep a record of the same, which must be produced for claiming warranty. Parts not covered under warranty are also mentioned. Further, bikes not serviced according to schedule and with an authorized service centre also lose the warranty.

Free Bike Services

Number	Km/ month	Services
First service	2,500 – 2,700 KM / 4 months	Change in Clutch plates & oil change
Third Service	4,500 – 5,000 KM / 7 months	Change of oil/ other fluids & some replacements
Fourth Service	500 – 7,000 KM / 9 months	Oil change & change in the clutch plate.
Fifth Service	8,500 – 9,000 KM / 11 months	Clutch plate change if not done earlier
Sixth Service	10,500 – 11,000 KM / 13 months	Change in engine oil, physical check, electrical check, battery water wash

The End of Free Bike Services

Most bikes have six (6) free services, which covers water wash & labour; the rest are chargeable. Bike services are scheduled every 2,000 km once, except for the first free service, carried out at 500 KM. But even after the end of free services, servicing your bike every two months or 2,000 KM is always advisable.

Mileage

During the initial days of usage and very frequent servicing, the bike gives good mileage; however, the mileage drops with prolonged use and repairs.

Important Bike Servicing Tips:

Fourteen (14) tips you should know before submitting your vehicle for paid service:

1. Authorized service stations - It is always best to prefer the company's authorized service centres because of skilled workers and proper equipment.

2. Garage with good feedback - If you cannot go to any authorized service stations due to cost issues, opt for a garage near your home or office with good feedback.

3. Periodic maintenance - You can define your period according to your usage after the initial period.

4. Go for preventive maintenance - If you are unable to follow the schedule, you can go as per your convenience/usage, but try not to wait for any breakdown.

5. Note down scratches/dents - Check for any scratches and dents and specify it to the vehicle inspector before handing the bike to the service station.

6. Garage with job card - Prefer a service station/garage where job cards are used.

7. Make a list of your problems - List down your problems to forget missing out on something important and get it noted down by the vehicle inspector.

8. Checking the tool kit - Count the number of tools provided on your bike before and after service.

9. Remove costly stuff - Better to remove essential things from your vehicle before handing it over for servicing.

10. Take a ride with the vehicle inspector- It's best to take a ride with the vehicle inspector and explain to him the problems you are facing.

11. Watch during engine oil change - Ask them to change the engine oil before you.

12. Verify before going for any replacement - Make sure whether the replacement suggested is required or not. Check the maintenance schedule or get suggestions from outside.

13. Ask for a tentative estimate - Before going for any servicing or replacement proposals, it's best to ask for the cost estimate and decide accordingly.

14. Avail promotional periodic/annual service schemes - Authorized service stations generally offer some annual service schemes which you can avail of.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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