Your motor scooter is similar to a car. If you neglect to perform regularly scheduled maintenance, its performance will deteriorate. The longer you go without providing the necessary care, the faster its deterioration. With proper maintenance and tune ups, your motor scooter should last nearly 50,000 miles before the engine needs to be replaced or overhauled. In this article, you'll learn the importance of oil changes and how to prolong the life of your motor scooter with a maintenance checklist.
The Importance Of Oil Changes
If you own a motor scooter with a 2-stroke engine, you don't need to worry about oil changes (since they consume the oil). That being said, most people have motor scooters with a 4-stroke engine. Regular oil changes are critical. If you've purchased a new scooter, schedule the first oil change after 500 miles. From then, changing the oil every 1,000 miles is sufficient.
Your motor scooter only requires 1 quart of oil. So, changing it will cost less than $6 (use a high-quality oil like Castro). The key is to do it regularly. Changing your motor scooter's oil is important because the oil lubricates the piston as it moves up and down. Without that lubrication, your engine could become damaged.
Some motor scooters also have transmissions in which the oil should be changed. If the oil isn't changed, it could potentially cause the gears to lock up. Eventually, given enough damage, the transmission would need to be replaced. Changing the oil keeps the gears and bearings within working properly.
Scheduled Maintenance Checklist
After each 1,000 miles, consider changing the oil filter along with the oil. Your motor scooter may not need a new oil filter every 1,000 miles, but check to make sure. Also, check the tires. They can begin to show some cracks depending upon the terrain on which you've traveled.
After 3,000 miles, change the oil in your scooter's transmission. Even if it doesn't look dark or thick, it's cheap to do and helps ensure the transmission's life. Check the drive belt to make certain it's not cracked. If it is, replace it. You should also check the brakes. After 3,000 miles, they may need to be cleaned, adjusted, or replaced.
5,000 miles marks the point at which you check - and often, change - everything. That includes the radiator fluid, rollers, clutch and hoses. Tighten the steering. Check all of the connections.
By performing regular maintenance, you'll help prolong your motor scooter's life. Plus, you'll avoid malfunctions that could potentially cause an accident (for example, your transmission freezing the back wheel). Proper care, maintenance and occasional tune ups are easy to do. They merely require diligence.