Many motorcycle enthusiasts choose springtime as the right time to find ways to tune up their bikes and find ways to lower the chance of being involved in a motorcycle accident. However, taking time to do so in the winter months can be smart as well – especially in Southern California where you can ride just about all year long. Keep these tips in mind and contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 if you are involved in an accident.
Check Your Battery
If it has been a few months since you last used your motorcycle, then it is likely the battery is in need of a clean and a charge. Check the terminals on your battery to see if there is dirt, dust, corrosion, or other issues. If you see that there is, scrub it away with a toothbrush and battery cleaner. If it is particularly stubborn, considering using a wire brush.
Once you’ve cleaned it, charge your battery. You can do this by attaching it to a motorcycle battery charge. When it fully charged, disconnect it. if you have issues with the battery while you are trying to charge it, then this is likely a sign that you need to replace the battery altogether.
Check Your Tires
Motorcycle tires can lose pressure slowly enough that it may not be obvious to the naked eye. Even these small changes can increase the chance of a flat tire and can make it harder to handle the motorcycle correctly. Not only does this increase your chances of being in a deadly accident, it also puts unnecessary wear and tear on the tires. Make sure that your tire pressure is correct. If it is not, stop by an air pump to add enough air.
Check Your Brakes
It is essential that you have good brakes to make sure that you can stop correctly. When you check your brakes, you should be checking the hand and foot brakes. Listen to see if you hear any type of scraping or screeching sound. If you do, then there is an issue. You should also inspect your brake lines for leaks or cracks. Finally, make sure that your brake-fluid reservoir is full.
Check Your Chain
If your motorcycle’s bike chain does not have the right tension, serious damage may be done to your motorcycle. Look at your chain to see if there is too much slack or if it is too tight. Make sure it is lubricated. Look at the owner’s manual to see how it should be arranged. If you are not sure you have maintained it correctly, or you believe there is an issue, then it is best to let a mechanic handle it.
While these tips can help you reduce your chances of being involved in a motorcycle accident, nothing can prevent 100% of accidents. If you are injured in this type of motor vehicle accident, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
