When it rains, it’s not all fun for motorcyclists. But proper maintenance can prevent a lot of trouble and keep you safe, says bike enthusiast Aniruddha Kuwadekar, who runs a premium two-wheeler maintenance centre in Thane, Maharashtra. He suggests:
To prevent rust, wipe daily with a clean, dry cloth. Weekly, wash dirt accumulated on the mudguards and under the engine. Use a coir scrubber to scrape off dried mud. Avoid wire brushes.
Spray an anti-rust compound on areas that are hard to clean daily.
Avoid fitting cardboard flaps. They prevent air from cooling the engine. An overheated engine can mean costly repairs.
Motorcycles can falter in the monsoon due to worn out spark plug wires and spark plug caps. Check that all wiring is properly insulated and keep a spare spark plug handy.
Cover battery terminals with a thick rubber or plastic sheet. Or apply terminal jelly on them. Also check the excess battery water drain pipe to ensure that it stays clear even after the monsoons.
Make sure the fuel tank cap is watertight. Get the carburettor cleaned periodically.
Ensure the horn and all lights work. Rain drastically reduces visibility and keeping the lights on will help pedestrians and other drivers to see you. (Studies have shown that it’s safe to keep lights on at all times—even during the day.) Carry spare bulbs for head- and taillights.
Wet roads mean longer braking distances. Drive slowly to anticipate road conditions and traffic better. Avoid any sudden braking.
Bald tyres can be deadly, so replace them. And always maintain optimum air pressure to get the tyres to grip the road better.
SAFETY TIP: Always wear a helmet, whether you’re the driver or pillion rider. Check for the ISI mark when buying one. A full-face helmet with a transparent visor is the safest.
Riding in the Rain?
