The oil used in your engine is important in ensuring your engine is working fine and with fewer flaws. It assists all the moving parts in the vehicle, which makes driving easy and also helps in extending the lifespan of the engine.
Oil also prevents the metal parts from entering direct contact, avoiding the engine’s wearing out. Also, it assists in cooling the engine and provides a way of maintaining its cleanliness.
If the oil gets depleted, your engine can stall and get ruined, which will become expensive to repair. In addition, taking your time to check the status of the oil in the engine makes the engine work at its optimum for a very long time.
This guide will explain how to check the oil level in your bike to ensure it works perfectly.
Importance of Regularly Checking Engine Oil Level
Lubricants are the lifeline of any bike’s engine. Without it, water is lost, and the bike’s engine will heat up and stop within seconds. The oil assists the moving of the engine parts while reducing the heat and friction between the moving parts. But as time progresses, the oil becomes devious and must be needed.
This is one of the simplest methods of maintaining a motorcycle, and it involves changing the engine oil and filter because when the vehicle has been used for 3,000 to 5,000 miles or if the engine light is on, the bike’s manufacturer may advise that you change the oil and filter.
If you are to check the oil level now and then, this will be a constant reminder that it needs to be changed. You should check it as often as you fill your tank with gasoline or at least monthly.
There is also the option of leaving an oil change sticker on your bike to constantly remind yourself when it is best to come to get the next oil change.
How to Check Your Engine Oil?
- Park your motorcycle on flat ground.
- Turn off the engine.
- Open the hood and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle.
- Find the dipstick (it usually has a yellow handle).
- Pull the dipstick out, clean it, and put it back in.
- Pull it out again and check the oil level. It should be between the minimum and maximum marks.
If your oil level is low, it could mean your bike is burning or leaking oil. Some oil loss is normal, but too much might be a problem.
What Good Engine Oil Looks Like?
Fresh oil is golden, like honey, and clear. It turns brown and black as it ages because it picks up dirt from the engine. If your oil looks dark, it’s time for a change. You should also check for metal bits or other things in the oil because they could mean your engine has issues.
Watch Out for Engine Sludge
If oil changes are missed, thick black sludge can form inside the engine. You can check this by removing the oil cap and looking inside with a flashlight. Seeing a lot of black gunk means the engine hasn’t been cared for well. If you’re considering buying a bike and seeing this, it’s best to avoid it.
Don’t Forget Your Oil Changes
The next time you get gas, take a few minutes to check your oil. Remember when your next oil change is due, and stick to that schedule. Always use the right type of oil, as mentioned in your bike’s manual. By changing your oil regularly, you can keep your engine running smoothly for a long time.
Role of Engine Oil in Motorcycle Functionality
It has a lot of jobs, like keeping the engine parts moving smoothly, cooling it down, sealing gaps, cleaning, stopping rust, and making the engine quieter.
Choosing the right oil can be hard. It depends on how you ride and what kind of conditions your engine faces.
To help you, we’ve compiled this guide to explain the different types of motorcycle oil and how to pick the right one for your bike.
Step-by-Step Guide to Checking Motorcycle Engine Oil Level
First, make sure your engine is warm before you check the oil. Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes so the oil can settle. If your bike has a sight glass, keep the bike level—either by sitting on it or standing next to it—and look at the window on the bottom of the engine.
The oil should be between the two marks on the glass. Here’s a tip: If your bike has a centre stand and a sight glass, check the oil level first before the bike is level. Then, check it again with the bike in the centre. This way, you can remember the right level for when the bike is in the centre of your garage.
Common Issues with Engine Oil Level Checks
If you get a situation where the amount of oil on the dipstick increases, or there is too much oil, it could be that there is water, fuel, or coolant in the oil, which is a disaster. Fuel dilution with the oil can make it less dense and less capable of meeting the bike’s needs, and you can detect the smell of fuel on the dipstick.
This moisture is unhealthy for the oil and can damage a vehicle’s engine. This can happen, especially if you take short trips or if your bike has a fuel mix with alcohol. When your engine is running, it produces water, and much of it goes out of the exhaust pipe, but if the engine is cool, some water may remain in the engine.
One of the simple ways for people to determine if the oil contains water is by putting oil from the dipstick on a hot surface, such as the exhaust, to check if it produces steam.
When it hears the sound of crackling, it is a sign that your bike has water mixed with the oil. It burns just like any other vegetable oil, but the good thing is that it can easily be extinguished. Just be careful because the oil could catch fire.
Bottom Line
You can maintain your bike properly and ensure it runs smoothly by doing a motorcycle engine oil check. The oil enables the parts to glide so the equipment can move easily; it cools the equipment and prevents the dirt from causing havoc. If one does not monitor and replace the oil, the engine will be destroyed and expensive to repair.
To ensure the good form of your bike, you must check the oil level before going for a long run, say once a month. Waiting several minutes after switching off the engine to let the oil settle is recommended. However, if you have to look at the sight glass or the dipstick to level the oil,
It is important to always use the correct type of oil on your bike at all times. The schedule checks and changes will benefit your motorcycle because this machine will remain in good shape, and it will serve you well for a longer period of time.
You must meet the highest quality standards to ensure that you use Fubex Lubricants for your motorcycle engine oil. Fubex Motorcycle Engine Oil is the perfect addition to maintain your bike’s optimal performance.
FAQs
Q1: How often should I check my motorcycle engine oil level?
Ans: You should check your engine’s oil level regularly. It’s a good idea to open the hood every few weeks and always before going on a long trip. After driving, let the engine cool down for at least 10 minutes. This helps the oil cool off and settle at the bottom so you can check it properly.
Q2: What are the consequences of riding with low engine oil?
Ans: When your engine gets extra stress, its parts wear out. This can make your bike use more fuel and create more pollution. The metal parts of the engine can bend and cause leaks. The cylinders might not work well and can start to fail.
Q3: Can I use any engine oil to top up my motorcycle’s oil level?
Ans: You can find the right oil for your bike in the bike’s manual or by searching online. Always use the recommended oil, or ask your local dealer for advice. Make sure your engine never runs low on oil. Check it often and add the right kind of oil when needed.
