Monsoon-Proofing Your Bike: Few Maintenance Tips To Protect Your Two-Wheeler From Rains

The monsoon season is here! While it is a magical time for a lot of people, it can wreak havoc for bike riders.

From the risk of a vehicle skidding on wet roads to the harsh effects on the vehicle’s part, rain affects the rider in many ways. Hence, motorcyclists need to be extra careful during monsoons for a safe ride.

In this article, we have mentioned some tips to keep in mind to keep your bike safe during the rainy season.

Apply petroleum jelly to the battery connectors

First and foremost, ensure the health of the battery during the monsoon season. Apply petroleum jelly to the battery connectors to avoid rainwater damaging them, especially when you ride in heavy rains and have to combat waterlogged roads often. Petroleum jelly is a quick fix to ensure the battery terminals are free from corrosion.

Check tyre wear and tear and air pressure

Rainwater streams can bring out debris on the road that can puncture your tyres. Hence, check your tyres regularly and maintain a properly inflated tyre to ensure your safety in the rain.

On wet and slippery surfaces, a properly inflated tyre will offer optimum grip. Moreover, check the health of your tires. It shouldn’t be cracked, and the tread depth should not be less than 70 percent. If there is no ample tread depth, it is recommended to look for a new pair of rubber to replace the same.

Inspect brakes, electricals, and lights

Make sure your bike’s electrical is functioning. This involves ensuring that the wiring is properly connected with no loose ends, the indicators are working, and the headlamps and taillights operate. Also, inspect the instrument cluster, which is prone to failure owing to bad wiring during the rainy season. Loose wiring and connectors are prone to corrosion and damage, while moisture can harm electrical components in the long run.

Lubricate the chain

Moisture can wash away the chain lube and grease between moving parts, leading to friction and even rusting. Hence, make sure to lubricate the moving parts on your bike or scooter, including the chain and throttle cables, with a good quality waterproof chain lubricant for adequate protection over extended periods.

Washing your Bike

Though it is one of the most underrated tips, cleaning your bike regularly should be every biker’s priority. A pressure wash will ensure there’s no buildup of muck, grime, and mud on parts of your bike. At the same time, do a quick check of your riding gear as well. Make sure to dry them regularly, as wet riding gear, including helmets, gloves, boots, jackets, and pants, can be breeding grounds for mould and fungus during the damp season.

Clean your mirrors and tighten them

Unclean mirrors make your ride miserable. Hence, ensure to clean your mirrors properly for checking on what’s coming from behind in heavy rains. Moreover, tighten all the nuts and screws so that your glass doesn’t go limp when you need it upright.

Check your Lights

Before every ride, check if all your lights—taillight, headlight, and indicators are in working condition. When visibility goes down, these lights become extremely crucial as they help you ride safely. The headlight and taillight are much brighter than the indicators. It will make you visible to other motorists in the heaviest of rains. If there is persistent condensation inside the headlight or taillight units, get it checked and rectified.