REPLACING ENGINE OILS AT HOME
Engine oils in your motorbike lubricate the engine and transmission system, ensuring all components perform optimally. However, over time, oils may also deteriorate – dirt deposit appears, viscosity level compromised, and the antioxidation and other additive properties are lost. These symptoms tell you that it’s time to get your oil replaced.
With the right step-by-step instruction, oil replacement isn’t difficult to do on your own - although if you don’t have the tools, it is perhaps best to take your motorbike to your go-to auto shop.
Oil Change at Home
Before you start, make sure you have your equipment ready and within reach:
● New oil suitable to your bike’s specification and with the right volume. Note that different motorbikes require different oil volume.
● Oil filter
● Seal tape
● A socket wrench
● A torque wrench
● A wrench to remove oil filter
● Catch pan
● Funnel
● Paddock stand (for motorbikes that aren’t equipped with a centre stand)
● Gloves
Step 1: Engine Warm Up
● Start your motorbike and let it warm up for around 10 minutes to allow the engine to reach its ideal temperature. Alternatively, take your bike for a short 5-minute ride around the corner.
● Turn the engine off and put the bike on its centre stand. Let sit for several minutes to let oil cools off.
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Step 2: Oil Drain
● Look for the drain plug in your bike
● Put a catch pan below the plug. Once the plug is removed, oil will quickly pour out. Make sure you put the pan in the correct position.
● Take a socket wrench and gently loosen the plug – careful not to remove the plug entirely.
● Now that the plug has loosen, manually remove it with your fingers until the oil flows out.
Step 3: Filter change
● Take a filter wrench and remove the filter
● Drain used oil in the filter to the catch pan
● Put a new oil filter in. Smear a little bit of new oil on the filter’s connection and O-ring seal.
● Manually tighten the filter until the O-ring seal attaches. Tighten again with a wrench, but no more than 270-degree rotation – when too tight, the seal may be broken.
Step 4: Reinstall the plug
● Wipe the plug clean and wrap it with seal tape.
● Reinstall the plug and tighten it with a torque wrench
Step 5: Get the new oil in
● Remove oil fill cap; the cap is usually located on top of the engine box.
● Use your funnel and slowly pour the new oil. Have a dipstick ready to check oil level.
● Put the cap back and tighten.
Step 6: Oil level check
● Turn on your engine, let it warms up for about five minutes.
● Check oil level; add more oil if needed.
● Pour the used oil into a container and dispose it to a dedicated waste treatment facility.
When Should I Change My Oil?
This is a common question among motor vehicle owners and the answer depends on your bike type. Every manufacturer has its recommendation, but on average oil needs to be replaced every 2,000 to 4,000 km of mileage increment. Consult your owner’s manual to check the recommended interval.
How Do I Know My Oil Needs Change?
One or more of the following symptoms are signs that your motorbike requires oil replacement:
● Dashboard oil light comes on
● Engine overheat
● Unusual smell of burnt oil
● Engine noise
If you experience any of the above signs, immediately schedule for oil replacement whether on your own or at an auto shop.
See TotalEnergies’ wide range of motor oil products that are especially designed to protect and keep your motorbike younger for longer.
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