We all come across engine oil, fork oil, brake fluid changes as common regular maintenance tasks. The two that get neglected the most and get carried out at a time when symptoms show are spark plugs and engine coolant. Only when we start seeing or hearing a misfire do we start looking at the spark plugs. Similarly when we start seeing the temperature rise and the coolant that is running through the radiator not doing its job of bringing that temperature down we get to checking our engine coolant. In this blog we tackle the two and why they are important. But before that let’s get into what the coolant and the spark plug really does?

When combustion engines operate, they generate heat, and there is liquid coolant circulating to keep it cool. Once the engine is heated, the thermostat opens and coolant is pushed from the engine’s hottest parts to the radiator to be cooled before returning to the engine. With several hundred degrees of internal working temperature in the cylinders and heads, the liquid water and coolant mixture can soon approach the boiling point of plain water. The pressurised radiator cap also aids in reducing the likelihood of a boil over.

So when should i change my engine coolant

Take a look at your bike owner’s manual, or the recommended service schedule for suggested coolant change intervals. If you don’t know the last time the coolant was changed, and if your motorcycle is more than 4 years old, change it now. Part of the cooling system service involves flushing (draining, filling with water and draining again), but if you change it regularly flushing isn’t needed.

You should always check the radiator hoses when draining the system to change the coolant and replace any that are old, cracked, or swollen.

Why should you be changing coolant?

The antifreeze/coolant in the engine keeps everything cool and, unlike water, will not freeze if you leave the bike parked outside in the winter. Coolant is more resistant to both boiling and freezing, and it prevents interior corrosion. The antifreeze ingredients in the coolant degrade with time, especially if you fill off the coolant with water on a frequent basis. This might cause harm if the coolant freezes and expands in cold conditions.

The cooling system should be emptied, cleansed, and refilled on a regular basis to replenish the antifreeze mixture and avoid the formation of rust and corrosion, which can impede cooling system efficiency and cause engine damage. The lubricating ingredients in the coolant for the water pump and thermostat must also be supplied on a regular basis.

What about spark plugs?

Spark plugs are utilised as a source of ignition at the conclusion of the compression cycle in petrol engines. The spark ignites the gas, causing the piston to move along the cylinder, causing the crankshaft to revolve. The engine would not be able to run without the spark plug.

Most current spark plugs are constructed of ceramic and iridium or platinum and are expected to endure for 20,000 kms or more. However, they should be evaluated every 10,000 kms or so to give you a sense of the engine’s condition.

When should I change my spark plugs?

“A healthy spark plug will have light brown electrodes and insulator, and no sign of melting, wear or deposits”

Consult your owner’s handbook for the suggested intervals for changing your spark plugs. If you can’t discover a recommendation, remove them and inspect their condition. It doesn’t take long and offers you an idea of how the engine is working.

Why should I change my spark plugs?

If the engine is to run smoothly, the spark plugs must be properly maintained. If you ignore them, you may encounter a number of problems.

To begin, you may have difficulty starting the engine. You’ll have to flip it over numerous times before it fires, which may eventually flatten the battery. Once started, the engine may have a rough idle and feel ‘lumpy,’ or it may misfire, indicating that not all cylinders are performing properly.

A defective spark plug may also result in greater fuel consumption and decreased engine output and should be addressed as soon as possible.