5 signs your motorcycle needs an oil change

Although it’s important to check engine oil level in a regular basis, it’s also very important to keep your motorcycle engine happy by using the correct motor oil and by checking if the oil inside the engine is still in good condition.

Engine oil is important because it lubricates and cools down the engine internals, preventing the engine from seizing due to excessive heat.

But engine oil won’t last forever, and over time it will become dirty and lose its chemical properties making it far less effective. Even though every motorcycle manufacturer tells you when you should change the oil, and that might happen at every 5000 km to 15000 km depending on the motorcycle, there are other things you can be aware of that might tell you to change oil.

So, we’ve compiled 5 signs that indicate your motorcycle needs an oil change.

Remember that every time you do an oil change, you should also change the oil filter so it doesn’t contaminate the fresh oil you’ll put in the engine.

1 – Take a look and see if the oil is black and gritty
Some motorcycles still have a dipstick and other models have a window to check oil level. Either way, you need to check the color of the oil on the dipstick or through the window. In the beginning the fresh oil is translucid with light brown color, but over time it will get black and also thicker.

To check its thickness, put a little bit of oil in your finger, and rub it with another finger. It should be smooth. If it’s not smooth and you feel any grittiness or particles, this means the oil is contaminated and should be changed.

There’s no timeframe for the oil to start to change to a darker tone, but if you check it every month you’ll be able to keep an eye on its condition. If it’s thick and really dark, then you should contact your dealership and schedule an oil change.

2 – Your engine is running louder than usual
This is one of those things that you will know better than anyone, because it’s your bike, so you know her like no one else. Especially when it comes to noises!

A fresh oil provides a protective layer between metallic parts in the engine – don’t you just love the noise coming from an engine on a new bike? -, but over time that oil will lose this ability and soon after you start hearing metal rubbing on metal.

This will create louder engine sounds, and if you hear them, then it’s probably a good moment to change oil.

3 – Dashboard warning lights won’t go away
Modern engines are fitted with sensors that can tell you, through lights showing in the dashboard of your motorcycle, that you don’t have enough oil in the engine.

You should always check the engine oil level when this happens, and if needed you just put a little bit of oil to get It up to normal level. If the situation is critical, the check engine light might show up, and if that happens, that means there’s a serious risk of engine damage due to the lack of oil.

4 – The oil level is below the minimum mark
So, you’ve checked and you also topped the oil level, but it keeps going down below the minimum mark in the dipstick or oil window. This is a sign of a problem.

If there’s no leak in the engine, then it’s a problem with the oil being too old.

When the oil starts losing its chemical properties and lubrication becomes more difficult, the engine will use more oil than it’s supposed to in order to guarantee that all the moving parts are lubricated. That’s why, no matter how much oil you put into the engine, the oil level will always go down faster than expected.

5 – You don’t remember the last time you’ve changed your engine oil
Making sure that your engine has enough oil in it isn’t enough. And although motorcycle manufacturers tell you that you your bike’s service intervals is due at every X amount of kilometers, you really need to change it every month.

If you don’t remember when your bike had its last oil change, then that’s a good indication that it’s time for an oil change. Make sure you write the date of the oil change so you’ll be able to check on a later date.

Shell has developed an impressive range of motor oils specific to use in motorcycles. At Shell Malaysia website you can find out which oil fits your bike.

Use the Shell LubeMatch tool to easily find which oil you should use.

Shell Advance engine oils are created to make your engine perform at his best, no matter how hard you ride you bike. Shell Advance engine oils are developed to resist to higher temperatures, retaining horsepower, improving fuel economy, cleaning engine internals better and also lubricate every single part of the engine so that it runs in top shape.

For those motorcyclists that need to change oil on your bikes between the 1st of April and 31st of May, Shell is now running the Shell Advance Ducati Contest!

With the purchase of any Shell Advance 4T motor oil you can unlock the chance to win a Ducati Monster 797 bike and a pair of Oakley sunglasses.

What do you have to do to be in the chance to win these prizes?

Purchase any Shell Advance 4T motor oils where purchase value is at least RM25 in a single receipt (before GST), snap a photo of the original receipt, answer the following true or false question: “Shell Advance and Ducati are global partners?”, and then submit your details – Name, IC No, Answer, Receipt, Mobile No. and WhatsApp to 018-3791326 or Email to contest@lubespromo.com .

Shell also gives you the opportunity to have a better chance to win the prizes!

If you buy Shell Advance Ultra/ Ultra Scooter 4T (1L) you receive 5 entries, Shell Advance AX7/ AX7 Scooter 4T (1L) gives you 3 entries, while the Shell Advance AX5/ AX5 Scooter 4T (1L/0.8L), Shell Advance AX3 4T (1L) and Shell Advance Gear Oil (0.12L) gives you 1 entries each.

There’s two Oakley sunglasses up for grabs, and the grand prize is that sweet Ducati Monster 797. The list of weekly winners will be announced in Facebook and Shell Malaysia website.

Buy now your Shell Advance motorcycle engine oil at Shell Official Store .