How to store motorcycles and scooters during a lockdown?

Given the current context, the Covid-19 pandemic has greatly affected all aspects of life. It has not only impacted humans but also had a negative effect on vehicles such as motorcycles and scooters when they are not used for a long time.

Motorcycles, scooters need proper preservation when not in use for a long time

Therefore, we need to know how to properly preserve these two-wheeled vehicles so that they are always in good condition and can meet our needs when we need to use them. Let’s find out the methods to preserve your motorcycle and scooter in the following article.

Washing the vehicle

Perhaps the first thing to do when preserving a motorcycle or any type of vehicle is to wash it. A clean vehicle is always more durable and newer than one that is always covered in dust and dirt. This is because dirt and dirty water can have many negative effects on the vehicle.

Need to clean the vehicle before preservation

It can cause corrosion of the drivetrain components, the joints on the vehicle, and corrosion of external details. Therefore, before preserving the vehicle, wash it thoroughly, clean the chain, and lubricate the joints to avoid such situations.

Filling up gas and tightening the gas cap

Inside the gasoline tanks of modern motorcycles and scooters, there is a layer of anti-corrosion and rust-resistant coating. However, over time, these layers can be corroded and can lead to rust when water gets inside.

Fill up the gas tank and tighten the gas cap

Therefore, before preserving the vehicle, we should fill up the gas tank to limit air and moisture from entering this area and be sure to tighten the gas cap to avoid any dangers.

Regularly starting the engine

When a vehicle is not used for a long time, the stored electrical energy inside the vehicle’s battery will gradually be drained over time. When this component runs out of energy, we cannot start and use the vehicle. Moreover, if the battery is depleted, we will have to spend a few hundred to a few million dong to replace it with a new battery.

Note to regularly start the engine to ensure operation and charge the battery

Therefore, if you have the means and the necessary tools, motorcycle owners should remove the battery from the vehicle and charge it. Otherwise, start the engine every 2 days, let it run for about 3 – 5 minutes to recharge the battery to compensate for any depletion, and ensure it is always ready for use.

Using wide tarps and ground mats to cover the vehicle

When vehicles are left unused for a long time, they tend to experience issues such as broken cables, electrical malfunctions, which mostly stem from external factors such as animals or insects. Additionally, dust naturally accumulates through various routes. Therefore, using a specialized tarp for motorcycles to protect and cover the vehicle is something that should be done when preserving the vehicle during the pandemic.

Using the center stand

For two-wheeled models with a center stand, we should use this accessory when leaving the vehicle unused for a long time. This is a very useful accessory as it helps reduce the load on the suspension system, tires, and all the load-bearing parts on the vehicle.

Note to use the center stand or lift to hold the vehicle when preserving

Moreover, when using the center stand, the vehicle will be placed neatly, less likely to move around, and more convenient when we need to clean the vehicle.

Pumping the tires according to the standard

The tire components are made of rubber, and therefore, these parts will have certain deformations over time if not properly maintained. First of all, we need to pump the tires to the manufacturer’s specified parameters.

Note to pump the tires correctly before preservation

Usually, these specifications are printed on a small label placed in the rear area or covering the sprocket. This will ensure that the tires are always evenly inflated, round, and less likely to deform over time without use.

Changing the oil and coolant after a long period of inactivity

If you regularly start the vehicle during the preservation period, this is unnecessary. However, for vehicles that have not been in operation for a long time, it is necessary to change the engine oil, gear oil, and coolant. When coolant and engine oil do not circulate for a long time, these fluids can deposit, form sludge, and deteriorate, causing the engine block and cooling system to not work properly. Therefore, we should replace these important fluids to ensure the vehicle operates optimally.

Changing the engine oil and coolant after a long period of inactivity

These are the 7 tasks to do when preserving motorcycles and scooters at home for motorcycle and scooter users during the social distancing period. This will ensure that the vehicles are durable, always new, and ready to serve their owners whenever needed.

Kuro