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Numerous factors influence one’s decision to own a motorcycle. Some people buy motorcycles as a cost-saving strategy due to their affordability and better gas mileage. Others get them to support their hobby or to just ride for leisure. However, most riders agree that motorcycles are a fast and convenient means of transport.

Unfortunately, these benefits come at a cost. Users are exposed to more danger because motorcycles don’t provide cover like other types of vehicles. For instance, if you collided with a car, the other driver would have a better chance of surviving than you would. Therefore, motorcycle accidents tend to be tragic and, often, fatal.

There are several ways you can keep yourself and others safe while driving a motorcycle, according to Ryan Attorneys and other road safety experts. Here are some of them:

1. Change Your Oil Without Fail

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Changing your motorcycle’s oil is a lifesaving maintenance tip for your vehicle. Failing to do so may cause it to overheat and become jammed altogether, and replacing it can be quite expensive.

For example, assume you’ve been neglecting your motorcycle’s engine oil for a while now. Then, you decide to take a ride on the freeway, and the engine overheats and seizes, causing your bike to stop abruptly. The risk of being run over on a busy freeway because of a sudden engine malfunction is relatively high.

The appropriate frequency for changing your motorcycle’s engine oil is twice yearly or after every 4000 miles. It’s advisable to adhere to this frequency to maintain the health of your motorcycle’s engine and to avoid accidents.

2. Lubricate Your Bike Chain

Neglecting your motorcycle’s chain is likely to get the sprocket jammed. This may cause tension on the bike chain, resulting in your motorcycle suddenly stopping on the road.

That’s why it’d be best to lubricate your bike chain as often as required to keep your motorcycle in good condition. Similar to an oil change, the frequency of lubricating your bike chain should be every 4,000 miles or twice a year.

3. Don’t Forget About The Tires

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Well-maintained tires keep you safe while you’re out on the road. For example, proper tire pressure prevents tire failure and enhances your ability to handle and stop the motorcycle as necessary.

While it’s recommended that you inspect the pressure of your tires every month, it’s wise to also inspect them before every ride for safety purposes. In addition, if you ride your bike often, it’s advisable to take it for servicing every two weeks.

4. Keep Your Motorcycle’s Warning Lights In Good Shape

Each motorcycle warning light communicates an important message that’s vital to maintaining your motorcycle’s health and your safety while on the road.

For instance, the motorbike’s engine temperature warning light irradiates when coolant leaks or runs lower than ideal. This protects your engine from overheating and safeguards the electrics around the engine from damage. Failing to maintain this warning regularly can result in the engine overheating without your knowledge. This affects the drivability of your bike, which increases the risk of an accident.

Similarly, the ABS (anti-lock braking system) is designed to avoid skidding once you apply brakes. The system’s speed sensors can help you detect the wheel’s speed, so you know when it’s about to lock. In addition, if a wheel is about to lock, the system alters the pressure of your brakes, which keeps your bike balanced. Therefore, the ABS lights on your motorcycle are considered a safety measure. As such, it’s essential to ensure they’re in good working condition to avoid accidents resulting from loss of balance.

In addition, your motorcycle’s oil pressure warning light alerts you regarding low oil levels. Oil is essential to maintaining your motorcycle because it minimizes friction between its moving parts. As mentioned earlier, it also keeps the engine running smoothly, which prevents a breakdown when you’re on the road. Thus, ensuring this warning light is in good condition also safeguards you from accidents.

5. Ensure Your Headlights, Taillights, And Brake Lights Are Well-Maintained

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Your motorcycle’s headlights, taillights, and brake lights are also essential safety features. When riding on the freeway, other road users need to notice you. For instance, when you brake, your brake light flashes, notifying road users behind you that your motorcycle is slowing down or stopping. Consequently, this prevents them from rear-ending you, which keeps you safe.

On the other hand, headlights and taillights are also crucial to your safety as they make you noticeable to other road users. In addition, they also enhance your visibility at night, which helps you navigate the road better. Therefore, avoiding accidents requires keeping your motorcycle’s lights in good condition.

Consider investing in a light modulator if your headlights and taillights are faulty. This device is connected to the electrical elements of the taillight and headlight. Using a modulator ensures that other road users can see you. For instance, with a light modulator, the taillight blinks about five times before turning a bright red when braking. Again, this ensures other drivers and motorcyclists can see you.

6. Inspect Your Brake Fluid And Brake Pads Often

When setting out on a ride, it’s important to check whether the brakes are functioning. Your motorcycle should stop when you apply the brakes. Failing to do so could mean an issue with your brake fluid or pads.

Generally, it’s advisable to replace your brake fluid every two years or less. On the other hand, you should get your brake pads repaired or replaced once you notice they’re worn out. If you can see the metal on the brake pad, it means you’re due for a replacement. Overall, replacing your bike’s brake fluid and brake pads enhances your safety and that of other road users.

To Sum Up

Proper motorcycle maintenance can help you avoid accidents significantly. One tip you can practice is changing your oil every six months or 4000 miles without fail to promote your safety. Another tip is lubricating your bike chain to prevent tension and subsequent stalling. This article has comprehensively discussed four more ways to maintain your motorcycle to help avoid accidents.

Remember, keeping your motorcycle functioning optimally through proper maintenance is the best way to ensure your safety and that of other road users.