7 parts on a scooter that need maintenance to keep it like new

1. Engine oil

The operating mechanism of a scooter prioritizes automaticity, does not require pedaling or shifting gears, so the vehicle generates a lot of heat and consumes more fuel. In terms of structure, the scooter uses a belt-driven continuously variable transmission system, and the rotation speed can reach more than 7,000 rpm. The transmission system must always operate at full capacity.

The amount of engine oil will wear out over time or become contaminated, reducing its lubricating ability. Therefore, the oil should be changed according to the standards recommended by the car manufacturer, usually about 1,000 - 1,500 km/time.

In hot, dusty operating conditions, on steep slopes or under heavy loads, the oil should be changed sooner. The engine oil should be changed immediately after the vehicle is flooded. In addition, users should use specialized engine oils with good thermal stability and oxidation stability to maintain the viscosity and lubrication properties necessary for the scooter engine.

2. Brake pads, brake fluid

Brake pads are the part that converts kinetic energy into heat energy, helping the vehicle to slow down, and will wear out over time. Excessively worn brake pads can also cause the brake disc to warp, making the braking system ineffective even after replacing new pads...

Unlike conventional oils that only lubricate the engine, brake fluid also requires the ability to transmit force (through the compression force created by the solution column). Brake fluid wear and tear does not provide enough force for the disc brake to operate, leading to unsafety during movement.

In addition, the brake fluid will also increase in temperature during braking, evaporating through the gaps due to the expansion of the pipe system. The brake fluid is also contaminated with impurities, with residue leading to brake failure or uneven braking.

3. Gear oil

Unlike manual transmission vehicles, the rear axle of a scooter uses a gear system to drive the wheel shaft and oil for lubrication, called gearbox oil or differential oil. When operating, the transmission gears operate regularly with high intensity and load. Differential oil plays a role in ensuring that the gears operate smoothly.

The differential oil will wear out and become dirty over time, causing the differential to dry out, loosen, and howl, reducing the efficiency of the transmission system. More seriously, it can lead to the differential breaking and loss of transmission. Differential oil wears out less than engine oil because it is in a relatively closed area.

However, users should also note to change the differential oil after 3-5 times of changing the engine oil to ensure the operating conditions of this part. After the vehicle is flooded, the differential oil should also be changed immediately.

Experts advise car owners to check the transmission oil regularly and change it periodically every 6,000-8,000 km. Signs that it is time to change the transmission oil include: the engine makes an unusually loud noise, there is a howling sound, the car moves harshly, and is not smooth.

4. Belt

Like on manual transmission vehicles, the drive belt replaces the chain and this is also the fastest part to deteriorate because it has to bear and transfer the driving force like the chain on manual transmission vehicles. This part is also an important factor that directly affects the operation of the scooter.

When the vehicle operates for a long time, dust will be generated in the belt box, which is a factor that causes the belt to wear out quickly. The worn surface makes the size between the contact surfaces smaller, reducing the efficiency of power transmission. At the same time, the heat generated by friction during operation will gradually harden the surface of the belt, even potentially causing the belt to crack.

According to the manufacturers' recommendations, the drive belt should be checked regularly after about 8,000 km and replaced after about 20,000 km. Users should regularly check, repair and maintain the vehicle to maintain good operating condition.

5. Spark plug

Spark plugs are the ignition part, helping to burn fuel, generating power for the vehicle. In theory, it is quite simple, it is to generate an electric spark between two electrodes (center electrode and grounded side electrode), to burn the air-gasoline mixture from the carburetor that has been fed into the combustion chamber.

However, the spark plug terminals will wear out over time, causing uneven ignition, wasting fuel, and engine loss of power. In addition, there are many other factors that cause spark plugs to work ineffectively, such as fuel soot, wetness, and unburned fuel...

In fact, spark plugs are quite durable parts, and can last for tens of thousands of kilometers before they are completely damaged. However, you should check and replace them periodically, especially during rainy and flooded periods, to keep your vehicle running smoothly.

6. Coolant

Coolant has the function of cooling the scooter engine. Helps the scooter operate durably, smoothly, without the phenomenon of sluggishness or overheating. Nowadays, most liquid coolants are widely used on scooters because of their many outstanding advantages.

Losing too much coolant causes the engine to overheat quickly, run sluggishly, and in the worst case, the engine block can crack. According to manufacturers' recommendations, coolant should be changed about every 10,000 km... Coolant should also be checked periodically, especially after long trips, steep passes, or heavy loads.

In addition, the driver can also change the coolant based on the level wall in the sub-tank. There are two levels on the sub-tank, Lower and Upper. If the water level is between the two lines, it means that no further treatment is needed. But if the water is below the Lower line, it is time to add more coolant.

7. Air filter

The main function of the air filter is to clean the air before it enters the carburetor (carburetor) or electronic fuel injector. Then the air will mix with gasoline to form a mixture to enter the engine combustion chamber, burn and generate power.

If the air filter is dirty, it will limit the amount of air entering the fuel tank, leading to a decrease in the engine's ability to generate power. This is the main cause of the engine being difficult to start, wasting fuel, being weak when accelerating or going uphill, and having black smoke.

Depending on the type of air filter, users can clean or replace it. Most scooters use oil-impregnated air filters, so they can only be replaced, not cleaned. In dusty road conditions, the air filter should be checked before the 10,000 km mark.