Maintenance Tips for Two-Wheeler during the COVID-19 Lock-down

The coronavirus pandemic has turned lives topsy-turvy. Let's face it, none of us was prepared for the struggles and challenges that ensued post the lockdown. Work from home (WFH) seemed like a doable proposition that many looked forward too. The real test came when people realised that there were additional responsibilities that they had to take on, along with the WFH. Domestic help was no longer a privilege and eating out and ordering food stopped being a luxury and became more of a risk.

While dealing with new situations that the lockdown has brought, do not forget your vehicle, which is also under lockdown. You need to take special care of your two-wheeler, during this phase, when it is idle. Proper maintenance of your two-wheeler will ensure that it remains fit. A little attention now will avoid unforeseeable problems once life resumes to normal.

I have complied a few maintenance tips to follow, not just now, but also at other times, when your scooter is not ridden for long durations.

Maintenance tips

• Start the scooter, and allow the engine to run for 8-10 minutes. Doing this allows the engine oil to move through the machinery and lubricate the parts. It also allows the battery to charge. Do this once a week or more often if conditions permit
• However, certain precautions need to be taken while starting the scooter. The throttle should not be twisted when starting fuel-injected (FI) scooters, such as the Fascino 125 FI. Just thumb the start button and let the scooter idle, without revving it
• New two-wheelers with new batteries are more likely not to give trouble. However, old scooters with old batteries can have issues, with the battery running out of charge. Such scooters will need revving up of the engine to allow the battery to charge. Do not rev the engine immediately, on switching on the ignition; instead wait for the engine to warm up before you turn the throttle
• Alternatively, you can disconnect the battery. It is a simple procedure, but if you are unsure on how it is done, I recommend you follow the instructions in the owner's manual or seek guidance on how to do it, on YouTube

Adjust the stand

• Two wheelers parked on the centre stand are more evenly balanced and stand less of a chance of falling over and getting damaged
• The centre stand helps protect the stationary scooter's tyres since the weight gets evenly distributed
• The centre stand helps prevent unnecessary strain on the two-wheeler's suspension system
• Standing the scooter on the centre stand helps maintain a proper equilibrium of oils in the scooter

Avert flat-spotting

Secure your two-wheeler

• Remove all official documents from the scooter – RC book, insurance papers etc.
• Park the two-wheeler in a covered parking lot or a shaded place. If you own a scooter cover, now is the time to use it, or else, use an old bedcover to protect your two-wheeler from the sharp summer sun, dust and bird droppings. This simple action will protect the rubber fittings and prevent them from turning crusty
• Rodents often chew into plastic/rubber fixtures, components and cables of vehicles. Do not park your scooter near sewage drains open gutters, utility holes and drain covers etc., where rodents are likely to live

Check tyre pressure

Sanitise the vehicle

• Wear a mask, while you are attending to your two-wheeler
• Do not touch your face
• Sanitise parts of the vehicle that you are likely to come in contact – switches, keyhole, grips, seat and mirror pods
• Wash your hands after carrying out the maintenance on your scooter
• Wash your bike before finally taking it for a ride
• Avoid starting and revving the scooter at odd hours, when your neighbours would most likely be resting – be considerate