Automotive

Lemon Laws also apply to motorcycles. Why? Because whether you’ve ever considered this or not, motorcycles can be lemons, too. When buying a used motorcycle there are a few checks that should be made when looking over the bike, and before handing the seller your hard-earned cash. Has the bike been wrecked, well maintained, broken in properly, ridden hard, or sat for years and years without service? Many of these questions need to be addressed when buying a used bike, and there are still many things that can be checked to help avoid buying someone elses problem. You can easily inspect a motorcycle yourself, or consider contacting a pre-purchase used car [motor vehicle] inspector.

Visual Inspection of the Motorcycle
When doing a visual inspection and before taking a test ride, you should have a check list of what to inspect on the motorcycle. Then take the list, and go down each item marking it as it passes or fails that portion of the inspection. Also, ask the owners how often he/she rides it and what type of weather conditions. If a bike sits for long periods of time, parts arent getting lubed, tires could go flat and get cracked, and the battery is draining (unless being kept on a battery tender).

Items to check on a motorcycle:

* Check the chain and sprocket
* Check turn signals, headlight, brake lights, etc work?
* Look inside the fuel tank (might need flashlight) for rust or other particles.
* Check for rust anywhere on the bike
* Check the frame for cracks and repairs and to make sure the frame is straight
* Check the brakes
* Check the forks
* Look at tires for cracked or warn tread and inspect the manufacture date

When walking around and inspecting a motorcycle, its imperative to take the time to go through the motorcycle entirely. Don’t be affraid to get dirty. Due to the size and easy access, just about everything on a motorcycle can be inspected with nothing more than a flashlight and possible a few tools to remove the seat or side covers.

Taking a test ride
Start up the bike and inspect the exhaust for excessive noise. And if a dual pipe motorcycle, verify the pressure coming out of each exhaust pipe is the same. Check the cooling and fuel systems for leaks. How does it start, stop, and shift. Shift it both up and down through all gears while riding. When applying the brakes is there the right amount of play and stopping distance? And most importantly how does it feel

It can be hard sometimes to take a used motorcycle for a good test ride, many owners might not be comfortable letting someone ride off on their bike. But, as a buyer it is always a good idea to get a feel for how well it runs, even if its not possible to get it up to faster speeds.

Getting the Motorcycle Inspected by a Mechanic!
Its always a good idea when buying a used motor vehicle/motorcycle, to get it checked out by a mechanic. The cost of having an inspection done outweighs the potential cost of repairs. On a motorcycle though, the cost of the inspection might not outweigh the cost of possible repairs. If looking at a expensive bike, or not sure what to inspect on the motorcycle, its a good idea to take it to a mechanical inspector. With a good checklist, and some research and knowledge before looking at the motorcycle, the cost and hassle of having the motorcycle inspected might not be worth it.

Most people assume they know what antifreeze does in a car’s engine. After all, it is pretty obvious if you just look at the name. It is a chemical agent that keeps the parts of the car engine from freezing. Antifreeze does more than just that for your engine. How does it do everything all at the same time? The answer is in its make-up.

The Chemical Make-up

Antifreeze does keep an engine from locking up because of its chemical make-up. The ingredients in antifreeze combine to make a reaction where the fluids in a car cannot freeze. The reaction of the chemicals will always stay warm enough for all of the parts to keep functioning, no matter how cold it gets. The exception to this rule is oil. An oil pan might need a heat engine block installed if you live in areas that are consistently below zero for extended periods. Antifreeze does not mix with the oil to keep it warm while the car sits out in the garage at night.

Just as the antifreeze keeps the engine from freezing, it also works in reverse. The chemical reaction with the fluids also keeps the engine cool during the summer months so that it does not overheat. How is this possible? Well, it’s possible because of the science behind the ingredients used to make up antifreeze. The properties in the antifreeze also work to cool the engine so the parts do not get too hot and they can still run together without friction causing too much heat.

An engine needs to be kept at a certain temperature to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. Keeping the antifreeze levels up all year will allow the engine to run at temperatures where it can do just that. Antifreeze levels can be checked at a service center when the oil is changed. The antifreeze can also be inspected during a maintenance check to see if it is the correct color or if it needs flushing. Sometimes, dirt can get in the fluids and they need to be changed, especially after there are several thousands of miles put on an engine, and if your car travels over roads with dirt.

Antifreeze Can Be Dangerous

Even though the compound is called antifreeze, it anti-boils, too. Since the compound is chemical in nature, it is dangerous to the touch. Keep antifreeze away from children and pets. There is an ingredient in antifreeze that is sweet and will attract pets. However, this ingredient is fatal and could kill a cat or a dog who was caught licking it off the garage floor or from the container in the garage.

If there is antifreeze in containers in your garage, then keep them on a shelf where they cannot be easily reached. If there is a puddle on the floor in the garage, clean it up, and then head to the repair shop to see where the problem is in your engine. Going without antifreeze is hazardous to your car, even in the summer. The name might be deceiving, since the car engine needs antifreeze during both hot and cold days in order to run properly.