Dirtbiking is a popular form of mountain biking that involves riding off-road on dirt or gravel surfaces. Because dirtbikes are not as well-equipped for pavement use, many riders choose to use car oil in their bikes’ engines. Will car oil work in a dirtbike?
Whether you’re new to dirt biking or just looking for an upgrade on your engine lubricant, car oil may be the answer for you. However, before using it on your dirtbike, be sure to research the product and make sure it’s compatible with your bike’s engine.
What is Car Oil and What Does it Do?
A car oil is a type of motor oil that is designed to be used in modern vehicles. It is made up of a variety of different types of oils, including synthetic oil, and it is typically used to lubricate the engine and reduce friction. Car oils are also used to protect the engine from wear and tear, and they can help to reduce the risk of engine failure.
How to Apply Car Oil to a Dirtbike
If you have a dirtbike, you may be wondering how to apply car oil to it. Car oil is designed to lubricate and protect important moving parts in a car, so it should work fine on a dirtbike too. Here are some tips on how to do it:
1. Clean the dirtbike thoroughly before applying car oil. This includes removing any rust or debris that may be on the bike.
2. Pour a few drops of car oil into the engine’s oil pan. Make sure to get the oil into all the nooks and crannies.
3. Start the bike and let it run for a few minutes while the oil spreads throughout the engine.
4. Shut off the engine and remove the spark plugs. Replace them with OEM plugs if possible.
5. Apply a thin layer of car oil over each spark plug hole using a rag or a brush applicator. Wait 10 minutes for the oil to soak in before replacing the spark plugs and starting the bike up again.
What to Do if Car Oil Leaks from the Bike
If your dirt bike is using car oil as a lubricant, be sure to check the level frequently and top it off as needed. If the oil starts leaking from the bike, you’ll want to stop riding it and remediate the situation. Here are five tips for fixing a leaky car oil bike:
1. Make sure you’ve checked the level of oil regularly and replaced as needed.
2. If the bike is still leaking, stop riding it and remove any excess oil from the engine and frame with a rag or a shop vacuum.
3. Clean all parts of the bike that may have come in contact with the oil, including the engine, frame, cables, and brakes.
4. Apply a thick coat of sealant to all mating surfaces where oil and metal meet. Let dry before riding again.
5. If you’re unable to fix the leak yourself, take your bike to a mechanic for repair or replacement.
How Often to Change the Car Oil in a Dirtbike
If you ride a dirtbike, it’s important to keep your car oil in good condition so it can do its job of transferring power to the wheels. For dirtbikes that are operated off-road, maintaining an adequate level of car oil is especially important because the bikes are constantly traversing uneven terrain.
According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), when riding a motorcycle or dirt bike, it is important to change your car oil every 3,000 miles or every three months, whichever comes first. However, since a dirtbike typically travels much more than a motorcycle on average, and the terrain can be more difficult to traverse, changing your car oil every 6,000 miles or every six months may be a better idea.
Conclusion
When it comes to car oil and dirt bikes, most people would assume that they wouldn’t mix well. After all, car oil is designed to work with metal parts while dirt bike engines are typically made of plastic. However, there are a few things you can do in order to make sure your dirt bike runs smoothly and doesn’t suffer from any undue wear. First and foremost, make sure you use the right type of oil for your motorcycle. Second, be sure to properly lubricate all moving parts – including the engine – with car oil before hitting the trails. And finally, if your bike starts making weird noises or seems to be struggling under heavy use, it might be time to service its engine using genuine car oil.