Tips for better engine life and performance

• Change engine oil for every 5000 kms and inspect and top up engine oil for every 2000 kms. low engine oil level causes excess wear and tear of engine components besides over heating and poor performance.

• Use good quality engine oils and lubricants. This ensures maximum life and engine performance. Fully synthetic engine oils provide better engine lubrication, less heat generation and smooth and buttery soft engine and transmission. 

• Running the engine with insufficient engine oil can cause serious engine damage. Running engine with excessive oil can cause spark plug fouling and loss in performance. Engine oil is the major factor in affecting the performance and service life of the engine.

• Check and clean air filter element periodically. Clean the air filter element for every 1500 kilometres and replace it for every 12000 kilometres. Poorly maintained air filter obstructs the air flow and also induces dirt and dust into the engine, which causes engine failure besides affecting engine performance. 

• Check and clean spark plug for every 2000 kilometres. Clean dirt around spark plug base and inspect spark plug electrodes for wear visually. Make sure the spark plug gap is 0.8-0.9 mm. Clean the electrode tip wit emry paper. For 2- stroke engine more frequent cleaning and replacement has to be done. You can also use iridium spark plugs for improving performance.

• Inspect carburetor for every 1000 kilometres for fuel delivery, operation and idling adjust if necessary. Clean carburetor for every 10000 kilometres. A clean carb provides good fuel delivery, mileage and better performance.

• Always maintain a steady speed and make gear shifts according to the desired speed. Avoid frequent shifting of gears. Ride sensibly and consistently. This improves better engine life and mileage. Decarbonise engine once for every 30000 kms. Many engine cleaning and flushing solvents are available in market. 

• Do not keep clutch lever pressed while riding. This causes slippage of clutch and wastage of engine power. It also affects acceleration to lag behind engine.

• During traffic halts never raise the engine rpm, let it idle. Avoid unnecessary raising up of throttle.

• Always warm up engine after starting it after a day's long work. Warm up by gently opening up the throttle to 2k-3k RPM mark on the tachometer for at least a minute. Do not over raise it as it damage the engine, since the oil circulation will not be sufficient inside the engine during the cold starts. Warming up the engine gently before riding provides better performance and engine life.

• Do not cover the engine from front and sides. This may restrict the smooth airflow to the engine fins required for cooling and the engine may run at a higher temperature. Higher temperature results in poor life and excessive wear of engine components.

• At last a good running in period or break in period is necessary for the overall life and performance of the engine. Ride at a steady speed and avoid sudden acceleration, sudden starts, stop and go riding. This not only provides good mileage and engine's overall life can be improved. After getting a new vehicle ride it slow and steady for at least 3000 kms for proper break in to occur.