Essential DIY Bike Maintenance Tips for the Monsoon Season

Monsoon in India is always long-awaited – bringing relief from the scorching summers, awakening Indian’s not-so-subtle love for Chai and monsoon rides. Although monsoon season is celebrated for bringing cooler temperatures and relief, it also increases the chances of corrosion, reduced tyre grip, and impaired braking systems. 

Even though we have compiled a list of DIY Maintenance tips and recommended practices to ensure a safe adventure in the rainy season, keep in mind that OLX is a great platform for finding skilled mechanics in the area. 

If you’re not comfortable doing certain tasks yourself, you can search for bike on OLX and get quotations from reputable professionals.

Best 7 DIY Bike Maintenance Tips for Rainy Season

• Lubricate Chains: Lubricating the chain of your bike with a high-quality, water-resistant chain lubricant reduces friction and prevents rust and further damage caused by humidity and moisture exposure. After riding through rain, puddles, and wet roads – wipe down the chain with a clean cloth or lubricant.
• Regular Inspection of Tyre & Pressure: Regular inspections of tyres for cuts, wear, and tear will help you prevent accidents and heavy repair costs. Maintain proper tyre pressure as recommended by the manufacturer for improved grip, safety, and care. 
• Braking System: The Rainy Season makes it highly necessary for us to thoroughly inspect the bike’s braking system. Tyres often lose their grip on wet roads leading to sharp turns, skidding, and damage. Inspect brake pads for wear and tear and replace them if they are worn out. Test the brakes regularly to ensure efficient functioning. While testing – if you feel brake responsiveness is slow or choppy, consult a professional technician immediately.
• Lighting System Function: Ensuring a safe lighting system function goes a long way as visibility is often compromised in monsoon season in India. Ensure the headlights, taillights, and turn signals are all operational and functional providing sufficient light and visibility. It is advised to clean the headlights regularly for maximized efficiency in rain and fog. 

Also Read: Top 10 Best Twin Cylinder Bikes in India 2024

• Bike Cover – Use a bike cover to protect your vehicle from rain, humidity, and moisture. Using a bike cover not only helps you keep your bike seat dry but also prevents electric failure, faults, and damages caused by rust buildup. So either use a bike cover or park under the shed. 
• Teflon Coating – Teflon Coating or a layer of anti-rust protection layer can help to improve the longevity of the bike’s paint and performance. Teflon coating can be applied on the mainframes, and panels for a longer lifespan. 
• Vehicle Cleaning: Regular cleaning of bikes is necessary to remove the accumulated dust, dirt, grime, and road salt which often aggravates the monsoon season’s impact. Pay attention to areas prone to dirt buildup such as undercarriage, fenders, and chain to avoid damage and corrosion. Use a gentle bike or motorcycle wash solution to avoid damaging the paint. 

Tips to Improve Safety for Bikers in Monsoon Season

• Bike Gears:  Equip yourself with necessary monsoon gear for bikers – helmets with anti-fog vision, raincoats, and waterproof boots to maintain comfort while driving in wet conditions. 

Check out our blog on Must Have Bike Gear Essentials in Monsoon

• Riding Tips: Adapt your riding style to the monsoon season, wet road conditions, potholes, etc. Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, avoid sudden braking or acceleration as this may cause skidding, and maintain a steady and slow overall speed compared to riding on dry roads. 
• Park Safely: Park your motorcycle in a covered area or shed to reduce exposure to rain. If a covered space is unavailable, use a high-quality bike cover for protection.
• Use Professional Service: While routine bike maintenance tips and practices can be performed and followed by the rider, professional service by an experienced mechanic before and after the monsoon season is highly recommended. Professional service can identify and address potential issues, ensuring a safe and enjoyable riding experience throughout the year.

By following these outlined bike maintenance tips and recommended practices along with adopting safe bike riding practices, bikers can ride through the Indian monsoon season with confidence, ensuring safety, comfort, and optimal bike performance. 

Remember, for more complex repairs or when you prefer professional assistance, OLX connects you with a network of bike repair service providers in your area. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I lubricate my chain during monsoon?

Lubricate as often as you can, especially after riding through wet roads. 

What Tyre pressure should I maintain during monsoon?

Lower pressure (2-3 psi less than usual) can improve grip on wet roads but always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your safety or consult a professional.

How important are brakes during monsoon?

Impaired braking systems make you prone to accidents in monsoon season. It is advised to check brake pads for wear and tear and replace them accordingly. 

Why cleaning your headlight is important during monsoon?

It is important to clean headlights regularly to combat fog, rain, and reduced visibility. 

Should I get my bike professionally serviced during the monsoon?

While routine maintenance is required and helpful. professional service by a qualified mechanic before and after the monsoon season is highly recommended for a safe and enjoyable experience.