Winter Tips: Bikes and scooters not starting in winter is a common problem. But by following the right method, you can easily avoid this daily hassle. Learn these useful tips.
In the biting cold, the biggest problem is faced by bike and scooter riders in the morning. Whether it's going to the office, dropping children off at school, or any other important task, if the vehicle doesn't start, it ruins the whole mood. Repeatedly pressing the self-start button, kicking the engine multiple times, and still getting no response becomes a major problem.
In winter, the cold directly affects the engines of both bikes and scooters. At low temperatures, the engine oil thickens, which slows down the movement inside the engine. This is why the engine experiences more load when starting the vehicle in the morning, and starting is delayed.
If your bike or scooter is not starting easily in the cold, using the choke correctly is crucial. Before starting, turn on the ignition and activate the choke lever. In cold weather, the choke sends more fuel to the engine, which allows the fuel to burn properly, and the engine responds faster.
After turning on the choke, don't immediately use the self-start or kick-start. It's better to leave the choke on for 30 to 60 seconds so that the engine can warm up a little. After that, turn off the choke and start the bike or scooter. This method also reduces the sudden pressure on the engine.
In cold weather, the batteries of both scooters and bikes become weak. Battery power drops quickly in the cold, which causes the self-start to malfunction. In such a case, keep the battery terminals clean, ensure the wires are not loose, and if the battery is very old, it's best to replace it.
Engine oil also plays a big role in winter. Thick oil prevents the engine from moving freely. Therefore, you should use the correct grade of winter-friendly engine oil in your bike and scooter according to the weather. This makes starting easier and also maintains better mileage.
If the self-start is not working in the cold... So, kick-starting the engine gives it the initial movement, which helps the oil circulate quickly. With proper choke usage, a healthy battery, and the right oil, both bikes and scooters will start without any trouble in cold weather.