Note with motorcycle engine oil

Engine oil needs to be checked and replaced periodically. When going to the store to choose to buy engine oil, users have to face a series of questions such as which type is suitable, what to note when using...

Mineral and fully synthetic oils

Vehicles operating under harsh conditions such as high speed, heavy load or frequent traffic jams (large displacement motorcycles, scooters) should use synthetic. While mineral oil is suitable for normal use. However, the price of synthetic oil is much higher than that of mineral oil.

Reference prices of some types of oil in Vietnam:

Engine oil viscosity

It is necessary to choose the appropriate viscosity for the vehicle's operating environment temperature. In Vietnam's climate with an ambient temperature not exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, choose a viscosity with an index after the letter "W" from 40 or higher such as 15W40, 15W50 or 20W50.

However, when choosing to buy, you should base it on the viscosity information in the vehicle's manual because this index has been calculated by the manufacturer to suit the vehicle's operating environment and engine technical characteristics.

Manufacturer recommended viscosity for some vehicle models:

For example, if the manufacturer recommends using 10W30 viscosity but the vehicle is using 10W40 with a thicker viscosity, it will cause difficulty starting and the engine will feel sluggish at low speeds. On the contrary, if you choose a thinner viscosity than recommended, it will cause poor lubrication and rapid wear of parts.

Motorcycle oil grade

Viscosity grades are related to the operating conditions and quality of the lubricating oil. For example, grade SF is used in conditions where the engine operates at high speed continuously and at high temperature. Grades SG, SH, SJ and SL are used for all operating conditions. The quality of lubricating oil increases gradually from F to L, with SL being the best grade available today.

Motorcycles should use grades from SG to SL because they have the best quality according to API (Japan) oil standards.

Notes for each vehicle line

Scooters need to use products printed with the word scooter to ensure optimal performance. This type of oil should not be used with manual or clutch vehicles because it causes clutch slippage.

Oil for manual transmission motorbikes should use MA or MA2 grade products. In addition, some manufacturers also recommend not to use oils labeled “Energy Conserving” or “Resource Conserving” because it can cause clutch slippage, leading to poor acceleration.

Popular MA2 standard products today:

Oil level and oil pressure light

Before operating, check the engine oil level. Start the engine for 1-2 minutes in place. Then turn off the engine and check the oil level with a dipstick or sight glass depending on the vehicle type. The oil level must be between the L and F marks.

New cars are often equipped with an oil pressure warning light. If this light stays on during use, the car should be inspected and repaired promptly. Ignoring this warning light can lead to serious damage to the engine such as piston seizure, cylinder wear and moving parts.

Tips for diagnosing engine condition through oil

If the old oil is darker and thicker than previous changes, accompanied by poor acceleration and high fuel consumption, the friction plates in the clutch may be worn.

Put a few drops of oil on a piece of white paper and observe it in sunlight. If you see a glistening drop of oil accompanied by noises and vibrations in the engine, some parts may be severely worn and the vehicle should be checked immediately.