What Happens If You Delay Your Engine Oil Change?

Engine oil plays an important role in keeping your motorcycle engine running smoothly. Find out what can happen if you delay changing your engine oil.

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Engine oil is one of the most important components in a motorcycle. Apart from lubricating the internal components of the engine, it also helps to reduce friction, cool the engine and clean dirt that is produced when the engine is running.

However, there are still many riders who like to delay changing their engine oil. Some wait until the motorcycle starts to make a rough noise, struggling to move, or only when they remember to change it.

The fact is, delaying your engine oil change can affect your motorcycle’s performance, and if it is left for too long, it can cause even more serious damage. Here are some of the things that can happen if you delay changing your engine oil.

1. Engine Performance Becomes Less Smooth

When engine oil is used for a long time, its ability to lubricate internal components will decrease. Friction between engine components will increase and cause the engine to feel rougher when riding.

You may notice that your motorcycle is less responsive when you twist the throttle or acceleration is no longer as smooth as it used to be. Although these changes occur gradually, they are often a sign that it is time to change the engine oil.

2. Engine Gets Hotter

Apart from lubricating engine components, engine oil also helps to control the temperature while the motorcycle is moving. When engine oil has been used for too long or the level is low, the heat inside the engine cannot be absorbed properly.

As a result, the engine temperature can rise faster than normal, especially when riding in heavy traffic or on long-distance rides. If this situation continues, the engine will be at risk of overheating.

3. Oil Consumption May Increase

Engine oil that has lost its effectiveness causes the engine’s internal components to work harder due to increased friction. When the engine has to work harder, oil consumption can also increase. While the difference may not be noticeable at first, it still affects fuel efficiency in the long run.

Changing engine oil on time not only helps maintain the engine, but can also ensure that the motorcycle continues to operate more efficiently.

4. Engine Components Wear Out Quickly

One of the main functions of engine oil is to reduce direct contact between metal components in the engine.

When engine oil is used for too long, this protective layer starts to disappear. This causes components such as pistons, bearings and gears to experience more friction.

Over time, these components can wear out faster and increase the risk of damage which requires high repair costs.

5. Risk of More Serious Engine Damage

If the engine oil is not changed for too long, dirt and combustion residues will accumulate in the engine.

Engine oil will also become thicker and no longer be able to protect components as usual. In worse cases, the engine can suffer serious damage that requires repair or replacement of major components.

The cost of changing engine oil is much lower than the cost of repairing an engine that has been damaged due to neglected maintenance.

When Should You Change Engine Oil?

The engine oil change interval depends on the type of motorcycle, the type of engine oil used and how you ride. As a general guide, many manufacturers recommend changing the engine oil around 2,000 to 5,000 kilometers, but you are advised to refer to your motorcycle manual to get the exact service interval.

If you frequently ride in heavy traffic, hot weather or go for long trips, the engine oil may need to be changed more frequently.

Conclusion

Postponing your engine oil change may seem like a small thing, but the consequences can have a big impact on your motorcycle’s performance and lifespan. A rough engine, overheating quickly, increased oil consumption and the risk of internal damage are some of the consequences that can occur if the engine oil is not changed on time.

If your motorcycle is due for service or you are not sure when the engine oil was last changed, iMotorbike Express Service is here to help. Our trained mechanics will check the condition of your motorcycle and ensure that the engine oil and other important components are in top condition so you can continue riding with confidence. Visit the iMotorbike Express Service website to make an appointment and have your motorcycle serviced by us.