Just like all vehicles, keeping your dirt bike in good shape is crucial for your safety, and for keeping you out of trouble. The difference between the type of trouble you can get in while riding a dirt bike and that which you can get into driving a car is that, when it happens on your dirt bike, you're usually stuck in the middle of mud.

The most frustrating thing about getting stuck in these conditions is that it's often because of something small that you could have prevented with a bit of basic at-home maintenance. If you've been in this situation before, or you simply don't want it to happen in the first place, Oils RGV has some basic maintenance tips which can help.

Safety First

Every good vehicle checklist starts with safety, and this one is no exception. To stay safe on your dirt bike, you first need to know how to operate it, and any particular requirements it has. For this, it's time to reach for your owner's manual. Often the most universally discarded item which comes with any new product, the owner's manual of a dirt bike holds vital information on how to ride your bike safely, along with any 'break-in' procedures you should follow.

Don't Overlook the Basics

Some of the most common causes of breakdowns during a ride occur because of a loose screw or bolt which has fallen out. To prevent these situations, a simple check of the visible bolts in and around your bike is all it takes.

Watch Your Fluids

The easiest rule to remember when it comes to your fluid levels is to check them all before you ride. These range from your clutch fluid, coolant, right through to your engine oil. If any of the levels are low, top them up before you leave. If your bike has seen about 5 hours of heavy ride time, a synthetic oil change is a good idea instead of a simple top-up. If you are new to owning a dirt bike, it's important to know that they use different fluids and motor oil than your car. To make sure you are using the right one for your ride, speak with an expert at Oils RGV by calling (956) 458-9399. With a range of AMSOIL engine lubricants and fluids available, Oils RGV will make sure you get the right one for your bike.

Cables and Levers

After each ride, take a few minutes to clean your cables and levers. It is too easy for small pieces of dirt and debris to become lodged in and around the cable connections, and can lead to corrosion in your cables. Additionally, many riders don't know that they can adjust their lever engagement points. Not only does it make it easier to ride, but it can also help tp keep loose cables out of the way of other mechanisms.

Chain Tension

It happens too often than it needs to. A rider pulls hard on the throttle for torque and the chain comes off. Not only can this be dangerous, but the rider is often stuck in a sticky situation. Every time you ride, check your chain tension. Your owner's manual will have specific information, but as a general guide, it shouldn't be easy to remove with your hands, and shouldn't be so tight that it has no flexibility.

Air Filter

Just like your car, your dirt bike relies heavily on its air filter. However, while you may get a good 18 months of life out of your car's air filter, your dirt bike it another story. Given the amount of dirt and dust that gets thrown into it, it'll need to be cleaned more frequently. Some riders prefer to clean their air filter after each ride, whereas others give it two or three rides. It all depends on the terrain you're riding through. If you notice your dirt bike is a little sluggish, the air filter is the first place to look.

Tire Pressure

When it comes to tire pressure, it is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Your best bet is to bring a small compressor with you which allows you to adjust your tire pressure on-the-go. However, if you only have one chance to do it before you ride, adjust the pressure to match the track you will spend most of your ride on.

Don't Underestimate the Power of a Synthetic Oil Change

If you consider how each vehicle type is treated, your dirt bike gets it pretty rough. And with good reason - it's designed just for it. However, to keep it running at its best, you need to keep its internals protected and operating efficiently. This is where a synthetic oil change can help. Speak with Oils RGV at (956) 458-9399 and ask which engine oil is right for your dirt bike and to learn more about the benefits of a synthetic oil change.