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1/7/2016

How to Care for Your Motorcycle This Winter in Frederick

Unfortunately, the winter months aren't ideal for riding motorcycles. The cold temperatures can make the experience uncomfortable, and the winter weather can create dangerous road conditions. If you're ready to store your motorcycle for the winter, ALF Marketing in Frederick has some useful tips to help you properly store your motorcycle until warmer weather arrives.

An Adequate Storage Space

One of the first steps your should take when preparing to store your motorcycle for the winter is finding a proper storage space. An ideal storage is one that is indoors, dry and heated. Some dealers provide storage spaces for the winter that service your bike and have it ready to go once the spring arrives. However, you can adequately store it yourself at home. A garage provides a decent storage space, just be sure to keep your motorcycle covered and away from windows.

Thoroughly Wash Your Motorcycle

Once you have the perfect storage space lined up for your motorcycle, move onto the next step: washing it. Give your motorcycle a good wash, making sure to remove dirt, debris and any bugs that may have gotten stuck to it. Once you're done washing it, dry it thoroughly. Any left over water will create water spots and may even lead to rust. Finish it off by waxing your motorcycle. A coat of wax will protect it from moisture and corrosion while in storage.

Fuel and Fuel Stabilizer

It sounds silly, but your motorcycle will be better off if it has a full tank of fuel while in storage. Even though it won't be in a use, a full tank will help keep moisture out and rust from forming in your fuel tank. After filling up, add some fuel stabilizer to your gas. Be sure to read the directions on your fuel stabilizer before pouring it into your tank. Take your motorcycle for a short ride in order to ensure that the fuel stabilizer mixes into your gas and that it flows through the system.

Keep Your Battery Charged

Even though your motorcycle won't be in use, your battery will lose charge if left connected. To prevent a dead battery in the spring, disconnect your motorcycle's battery before storage. Clean the area and grease the bolts in order to properly protect them from moisture. Connect your battery to a charger in order to keep it charging all winter, but prevent overcharging it by using a tender. Before putting your motorcycle in storage, be sure you know the benefits of using a synthetic oil in Frederick. Contact ALF Marketing in Frederick at (301) 416-0575 and we can help you find the best synthetic oil for your motorcycle! Don't forget to check out our online shop full of the best AMSOIL Oil products for your vehicle!

Give Your Motorcycle a Synthetic Oil Change

As you prepare your motorcycle for storage, don't forget to give it a synthetic oil change. It's important that you change your motorcycle's oil because dirty oil can cause corrosion and premature engine wear. Before draining your old oil, start up your motorcycle and let it get to its normal operating temperature. This will make it easier to drain the old oil. Once the old oil is gone, replace the oil filter and fill up the oil tank with a synthetic oil.

Keep an Eye on Your Tires

Before leaving your motorcycle in storage, check your tires. Fill your tires to just below the maximum air pressure for your model. This will help keep your tires from under-inflating in the cold winter temperatures.  A stand will help prevent flat spots on your tires due to it resting on its tires all winter. If you don't have a stand, simply rotate your tires every couple of weeks while your motorcycle is stored.

Cover Your Motorcycle

The last step in the storage process is properly covering your motorcycle. Start by using an exhaust plug to keep critter and small animals from climbing into your motorcycle this winter. Find a cover that fits your model well for maximum protection. Use a cover made of a slightly porous material so it can breathe. A durable, mildew resistant cover will provide ideal protection from moisture, dust and dings.

Synthetic Oil Change in Frederick

Before changing your motorcycle's oil, consider the benefits of a synthetic oil change in Frederick. For the best synthetic oil near mecheck out ALF Marketing. We can help you find the best AMSOIL Oil products for your vehicle. Stop by our online shop for the best AMSOIL products. Give us a call at (301) 416-0575 for more information or to place an order.