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Things to keep in mind before you ride your two-wheeler in winter

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Published on February 11, 2022. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

In India, winters are mostly cool, pleasant, and a huge relief from scorching summers and uncomfortably wet monsoons. The air feels great when you ride your two-wheeler during the winter months. However, winters often mean extremely low temperatures, snow, hail, and fog. Which is why, you need to make sure your two-wheeler is up for it. For that, apart from buying or renewing two-wheeler insurance online (for those unexpected situations), you need to follow the below tips.

1. Switch to winter engine oil :

Many companies recommend that you switch to an engine oil with a lower temperature viscosity rating in winters. This especially needs to be done where temperatures can fall well below zero. It is important to change over to winter engine oil because non-rated engine oil may freeze and slow its flow, creating the risk of engine seizure.

2. Clean the air filter and fuel filter :

Riding a bike on a regular basis means that its air filter and fuel filter will get clogged. Winter comes after the rainy season, which is particularly taxing on the filters. Blocked filters can hinder the flow of air and fuel, which may cause starting problems for your two-wheeler. And you do not want to be stuck in winter with a vehicle that requires a morning routine just to get started.

3. Inspect your two-wheeler for rust :

As mentioned earlier, winter comes after the rainy season, and rusting is the biggest problem with heavy rains, waterlogging on roads and extra moisture in the air. It is highly recommended that you check the underside of your vehicle when winters start. If you see even the smallest hint of rusting, take immediate action. Rub the rust off with sandpaper and apply some primer and paint to prevent rust from spreading.

4. Check your brake pads and brake discs :

The brakes of your two-wheeler are the most critical subsystem in the machine. With constant usage, the brake pads tend to wear off and the discs can get misaligned. When winter starts, it is important to take your bike to a trained technician and get its brakes inspected. Change them if the technician asks you to!

5. Lubricate the brake, clutch handles and cables :

Whether you drive a motorcycle or a scooter, you use the clutch and brake handles on a regular basis. When you are riding your vehicle in winters, most probably you are going to wear gloves, and if your handles are not well maintained, they may slip, require too much effort to engage, and in worst case, even lead to cable slippage. So, ensure that the handles and cables are well lubricated when winters start.

6. Clean the chain of the motorcycle :

If you are riding a motorcycle, you must have observed that there is a chain that connects the rear wheel to the engine. This is the main drive chain of your bike and it needs regular cleaning and lubrication. When winters start, you may want to inspect the chain and clean it using some petrol. You can use some chain spray for better cleaning and lubrication.

7. Get your insurance in order :

Two-wheeler insurance is a super important part of bike ownership. It is both a legal necessity and an important financial decision. Make sure that you check and renew two-wheeler insurance online if it is about to expire.

8. Get your documentation in order :

Your vehicle will need a valid registration and pollution under control certificate if you don't want to be fined by the traffic police. Similarly, you are not allowed to drive your vehicle without a valid driving license. Get your papers in order before setting out on winter rides, particularly if you are travelling out of state.

9. Keep your tyres well maintained and properly inflated :

Tyres are made of rubber, and since they are in constant contact with the road, they experience extreme heat in a short span of time. This means they may get brittle with weather changes. It is best to inspect tyres and change them if they look worn or brittle.

10. Inspect your helmet for cracks :

The helmet that you use while riding a two-wheeler is an oft ignored but extremely important item. With regular usage, your helmet may develop cracks and microfractures. Not only can these cracks severely compromise the helmet’s structural integrity, but also allow chilly winter wind to enter the helmet. It is best to check the helmet for cracks and change it if you find even a single crack.

So, keep the above tips in mind before you embark on winter adventures on your two-wheeler. Apart from caring for its mechanical and technical aspects, make sure you buy two-wheeler insurance online or renew the one you already have. It can protect you financially against accidents, natural or manmade disasters, fires and thefts.

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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