The expert told us what to look for when preparing a motorcycle for the season.

Neglecting motorcycle maintenance increases the risk of accidents, especially during the warmer months. Fuel system malfunctions, drive failures, and brake pad wear often lead to accidents. Stanislav Chekmarev, head of the PEC: MALL marketplace, told Izvestia on May 15 how to properly prepare a motorcycle for the active season.

First of all, the specialist recommends checking the condition of technical fluids. Special attention should be paid to engine oil, which accumulates metal shavings during operation, losing its protective properties. Manufacturers recommend changing the oil every 3-6 thousand km, which usually corresponds to half of the seasonal mileage.

For motorcycles with a common crankcase, where one fluid lubricates the engine, gearbox and clutch, it is important to select a special oil that does not cause the clutch to slip. Owners of motorcycles with a mileage of more than 50 thousand km are advised by Chekmarev to use oil with high viscosity and high base number, whereas liquids with low viscosity are better suited for new models.

An equally important part of preparing for the season is checking the fuel system. Problems may be indicated by black smoke from the exhaust pipe, increased fuel consumption, or soot deposits on the spark plugs. The specialist warns: if such symptoms occur, it is better to contact the service immediately in order to avoid expensive engine repairs.

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The expert reminded that one should not forget about the condition of the braking system. Worn pads can reduce braking performance by 40-60%, and cracks in the discs can cause the wheel to lock.

"The brake fluid needs to be changed every two years, as it tends to accumulate moisture, which reduces the boiling point by half and can cause corrosion of the elements of the entire system," said Chekmarev.

For owners of chain-driven motorcycles, the specialist recommends thoroughly cleaning and lubricating the chain, which could become clogged over the winter. Dirt acts as an abrasive, accelerating the wear of parts. The chain needs to be processed every 500 km.

Owners of models with a driveshaft should pay attention to possible oil leaks, and those with a belt drive should check the condition of the belt for cracks and delaminations.

"If you are a beginner, self—repair can lead to even bigger problems, so we recommend contacting a certified motorcycle service," the expert noted.

Earlier, on April 24, Chekmarev told Izvestia how to prepare a car for a long trip. He drew attention to the fact that before setting off, it is necessary to check whether there is enough engine oil in the engine.