There are some safety tips you need to follow to avoid damaging your bike or injuring yourself. Here are 10 Safety Tips to Change Your Bike’s Engine Oil:
- Check your owner’s manual – Before you start changing your bike’s engine oil, you need to consult your owner’s manual to find out the type and amount of oil your bike needs, the recommended oil change interval, and the location of the oil drain plug and filter.
You also need to check if your bike has a wet clutch or a dry clutch, as this will affect the type of oil you need to use. Wet clutches use the same oil as the engine, while dry clutches use a separate oil. - Warm up your engine – To drain the old oil more easily and completely, you need to warm up your engine for a few minutes before you change the oil. This will make the oil thinner and more fluid, and also help dissolve any sludge or deposits that may have accumulated in the engine. However, do not overheat your engine, as this can cause burns or fire hazards. Turn off your engine and let it cool down slightly before you proceed.
- Park your bike on a level surface – To ensure that you drain all the old oil from your engine, you need to park your bike on a level surface. If your bike has a center stand, use it to keep your bike upright and stable. If not, you can use a paddock stand or a jack to lift your bike off the ground. Make sure that your bike is secure and does not wobble or tip over.
- Use proper tools and equipment – To change your bike’s engine oil, you will need some basic tools and equipment, such as a wrench, a drain pan, a funnel, a new oil filter, a new drain plug washer, and a rag. You may also need an oil filter wrench or pliers to remove the old filter.
Make sure you have all the tools and equipment ready before you start, and use them correctly and safely. Do not use tools that are worn out, damaged, or unsuitable for the job. - Drain the old oil safely – To drain the old oil from your bike’s engine, you need to locate the oil drain plug and place a drain pan underneath it. Then, use a wrench to loosen the drain plug and remove it carefully. Be careful not to drop the drain plug or washer into the drain pan, as you will need them later.
Also, be careful not to touch the hot oil or engine parts, as they can cause burns or injuries. Let the old oil drain completely into the drain pan, and then dispose of it properly according to local regulations. - Replace the oil filter – After draining the old oil, you need to replace the old oil filter with a new one. To do this, you need to locate the oil filter and use an oil filter wrench or pliers to unscrew it from the engine. Then, discard the old filter and wipe off any dirt or debris from the filter housing.
Next, apply a thin layer of new oil on the rubber seal of the new filter and screw it onto the filter housing by hand until it is snug. Do not over-tighten the filter, as this can damage it or cause leaks. - Refill with new oil – After replacing the oil filter, you need to refill your bike’s engine with new oil. To do this, you need to locate the oil filler cap and remove it. Then, use a funnel to pour the new oil into the engine until it reaches the recommended level on the dipstick or sight glass.
Do not overfill or underfill your engine with oil, as this can cause performance problems or damage. Replace the oil filler cap securely and wipe off any excess oil. - Replace the drain plug and filler cap – To finish changing your bike’s engine oil, you need to replace the drain plug and filler cap on your engine case. Before you do that, make sure that there are no leaks from the drain plug or filter mount.
You may also need to replace the crush washer on the drain plug to ensure a tight seal. Use a torque wrench to tighten the drain plug to the specified torque in your manual, but do not over-tighten it or strip it. Replace the filler cap and wipe off any excess oil from your bike. - Check for leaks and run your engine – After refilling with new oil, you need to check for any leaks or drips from the drain plug or filter. If you find any leaks, tighten them accordingly or replace them if necessary. Then, start your engine and let it run for a few minutes to circulate the new oil throughout the engine. Check the oil level again and adjust it if needed.
- Clean up and enjoy your ride – After changing your bike’s engine oil, you need to clean up your work area and dispose of any waste materials properly according to local regulations. Do not pour old oil down the drain or into the ground, as this can harm the environment and wildlife.
Store any leftover new oil in a sealed container for future use or recycle it if possible. Then, enjoy your ride with confidence knowing that your bike’s engine is well lubricated and protected.
