One of the many reasons to own a scooter is their easy maintenance. When a problem occurs, it's easy to determine the cause. And once identified, the problem can usually be resolved quickly with minimal effort. That being said, you'll find that with proper maintenance, your scooter will seldom have problems. In this article, you'll learn how to maintain your scooter to ensure it doesn't leave you stranded when you need it most.
Change The Engine Oil
Similar to a car, your scooter needs clean oil to operate properly. The good news is that scooters use very little oil. The bad news is that the oil tends to break down more quickly. This is due to the high rpms and the fact that most scooters don't use an oil filter (though some of the larger models do). Plan to change the engine oil every 1,500 miles (at least). Also, use an oil grade that is well-suited for the weather. When it's warm outside, a 20W 40 grade works well. During colder months, switch to a 10W 30 grade.
Monthly Maintenance
Each month, plan to give your scooter a quick maintenance check. You don't need to take the engine apart. Simply check the engine battery and fluid levels. Make sure your tires have the right pressure. It's a good idea to check your lights to make certain they're working properly. Keeping your eye on the small details can make a huge difference in performance down the road.
The 6-Month Checkup
Set aside some time to give your scooter a thorough review. Your tires may develop fissures or small cracks. Check your brakes to ensure they're working well. After 6 months of constant use, some of the connections and cables may be slightly loose. Now is the time to tighten them. Also, you may notice that some of the cables need lubrication.
The Annual Inspection
If you've been diligent in maintaining your scooter each month (along with checkups every 6 months), you should notice very few problems. That being said, proper maintenance requires an annual inspection. This is when you replace the oil in your transmission (if applicable), change the spark plug and thoroughly clean your brakes, throttle, clutch and cables. Examine the drive belt to see if any cracks have developed (if they have, buy a new belt). Also, check all of the connections. That includes the battery, valves, hoses and cables.
Preserving Your Scooter
Most of the maintenance that you'll need to do on your scooter is simple. Some of it takes a bit of time, but it's an investment in preserving its life and long-term performance. As long as you maintain your scooter and devote attention to the small details, you shouldn't experience many mechanical problems. Instead, you can be confident that your scooter will operate properly whenever you need it.