How to start a Motorcycle in Freezing Temperature

Posted on: Jan 5, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

How to start a Motorcycle in Freezing Temperature

Many of you must have gone through the struggle to start your motorcycle on a winter morning. Starting a motorcycle in freezing temperatures is a difficult task. However, if you follow our tips on how to start a motorcycle in cold weather, it can be done easily. Keep reading to understand what happens to your bike in freezing temperatures and learn how to start your motorcycle in freezing temperatures.

What Happens To Your Bike In Freezing Temperature

Cold weather does not only affect humans and animals but also affects machines. A motorcycle may seem fine but many changes happen inside its body.

1. Wires, cables and chains become stiff due to cold and can break if not lubricated properly. It is recommended to keep checking the chain, wires and rubber coverings and handle these with care.

2. The battery loses its power due to freezing temperature. This happens because sometimes the bike is used less during winter, so the battery may get discharged due to parasitic drain. Another reason is the reduced capacity of the battery because it is not able to perform to its full capacity due to cold.

3. Engine oil starts thickening due to extreme cold and the engine fails to circulate it due to low viscosity hence it takes time to start the engine. It is recommended to use lighter engine oil in winter.

How To Start A Motorcycle In The Below Freezing Temperature

If you want to know how to start a motorcycle in cold weather follow these tried and tested tips for cold-starting a bike.

1. Make sure the battery is charged

Batteries drain faster in cold temperatures. So check the battery first, if it is dead, the bike won’t start. It should be at least 50% charged to start the bike. In case it is not charged, let it charge.

2. Turn on the choke

Turning on the choke will restrict the airflow, improving the fuel-to-air ratio. It gives the required thrust of fuel to the engine so that it can start.

3. Let some fuel flow into the engine

Fuel is the most important resource for your motorcycle. Turn your fuel knob On and let it flow into the motor. It will lubricate the engine.

4. Move your bike

When a bike is standing for a long time the fluids settle at the bottom, leaving the gears dry. Moving the bike around a little bit will help in greasing the gears and the engine will start with less fuel.

5. Kickstart the engine

When you kickstart your bike, it pushes the starter mortar with pressure and brings up the spark. This helps the battery to come to life. It also keeps the engine working and in good condition.

6. Warm-up your bike

When the engine comes to life, let it warm up till it reaches the operating temperature. This is important because it helps the bike run smoothly. If the bike doesn’t run at the ideal operating temperature, it may harm the engine in the long run.

7. Ready for the ride

When the engine warms up your bike is ready to go. Remember to ride slowly for some time when you start. Drive safely and make sure you have active bike insurance before you go for a ride.

Tips For Maintaining Your Bike In Winter

Riding a motorcycle in winter requires some careful preparations considering the risks associated with harsh weather and freezing temperatures.

1. Change your bike tyres to more winter-friendly tyres with better grip and durability. Switch to tyres that are heavy and have an anti-puncture layer or you can opt for tubeless tyres to avoid puncture.

2. Select your tyre pressure as per the weather. A low pressure provides better traction and will give you a comfortable ride.

3. Clean your bike regularly and apply wax, it will prevent the frame from damage.

4. Clean your chain after every ride, apply a chain lube and grease all the bolts in the bike as it prevents rusting in the wet.

5. Check brake pads and cables, if there is any wear and tear get it replaced.

6. Check the lights and make sure all are working properly. Lights are very important when riding in low visibility.

How Insurance Will Help Secure Your Bike

When we talk about safety, it is not just bike maintenance that keeps you safe, having bike insurance is equally important to secure your bike. Your bike requires regular repairs and maintenance to prevent wear and tear and to run smoothly. Similarly, for protection against accidental damage or loss, comprehensive bike insurance is required.

There are two types of bike insurance that you can buy for coverage. Note that every insurance has certain inclusions for which coverage is provided and certain exclusions for which no coverage is available. Read the policy document to understand what is covered and what is not covered in your policy.

Third-Party Insurance

It is a legal requirement in India to ride a bike on the road. Not having third party bike insurance can lead to heavy penalties or punishment. A third-party insurance protects you against third-party liabilities arising due to injury to a third party or damage to a property caused by your bike.

Comprehensive Bike Insurance

A comprehensive bike insurance covers third-party liability as well as own damage and total loss. If an accident occurs, this type of insurance will not only pay for third-party liability but will also cover the cost of repair of your bike. In addition, it also protects against theft, natural calamities and man-made disasters.

Conclusion

Keep a check on the health of your bike before winter sets in. The battery, engine, fluids, and tyres all should be in good working condition for the bike to run smoothly. If you are a new rider and not sure about how to start a motorcycle in cold weather, ensure that the battery is charged and follow all the above-mentioned tips to start your bike easily. With comprehensive bike insurance, you can enjoy the winter scenery on your bike without any worry.

FAQs

1. How can I prevent starting issues in my motorcycle during winter?

It is difficult to prevent starting issues completely, but you can reduce the instances by parking your vehicle indoors where the temperature won’t be as cold as outdoors, covering your bike and maintaining your bike according to the cold weather

2. What is a cold start?

A cold start is trying to start the engine of a vehicle when the surrounding temperature is significantly lower than its operating temperature.

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

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