Owning a gun comes with newfound responsibilities that require education, training, and regular maintenance. Taking these preceding points seriously is vital to ensure your safety and those around you whenever you have a firearm close by. Gun-related accidents are avoided every day when individual accountability is practiced, and brushing up on essential firearm maintenance is one small example of this.

Read on to learn fundamental gun care maintenance and tips that will put you in a prime position to make you an educated and liable firearm owner.

Disassembling Your Gun

Along with safe gun handling and training in the use of the firearm, one of the key points of gun ownership is maintenance and cleaning. Both serve as pillars at the foundation of responsible gun ownership. When you need your gun, you want it to function properly, so it’s vital to spend more time understanding the anatomy of your firearm, and its required upkeep, because each one is unique. For example, you can take apart a Beretta 92 semi-automatic pistol in a few basic steps. On the other hand, a Ruger Mark III will require more time and attention to detail.

Knowing what each and every part does and where it goes is an invaluable asset, allowing you to figure out where an issue with a firearm may occur and how it can be addressed. Most guns can be taken apart with few to no tools, making disassembly relatively simple when you spend time studying your specific model. If this is your first time owning a gun, it’s in your best interest to start with something that requires basic disassembly. Let’s walk before we run, as they say.

Most models can be easily field stripped without the need for any tools. This is as far as most gun owners will need to go to effectively clean and maintain their firearm(s). If you are not experienced and there is an issue that requires you to go beyond field stripping, what is known as a detail strip, you may want to bring your gun to a local gun store to get it serviced by a professional gunsmith.

However, if you want to learn these methods to do the work yourself, you may need to buy specific gunsmithing tools to get the job done. According to Shooting Times, if you want to take your gun disassembly one step beyond field stripping, you will need tools like an alignment pin and a slave pin. Once you have what you need to disassemble your firearm, the next step is keeping it clean and lubricated.

Cleaning & Maintaining Your Firearm

Being a gun owner in the modern world is way more convenient than it was when the first recorded use of a firearm was documented in 1364. For example, gunpowder is still widely used as the basis to fire projectiles from a gun, but advancements in technology have made the substance so much more effective. We all have the image in our minds from the colonial period of soldiers firing muskets at one another. The smoke was so dense that it would fill the air to the point where you couldn’t see. As you can imagine, gunpowder would stick to those guns like glue, making it difficult to keep clean.

While modern firearms still produce gunpowder residue, the materials they are made with typically hold up to corrosion better than firearms of the past. For example, your Springfield XD is going to be a breeze to clean when you compare it to Benjamin Martin’s musket. Nonetheless, every firearm you can purchase today should be cleaned after each time you take it out to the range or go on a hunt. Essentially, you should do a proper cleaning after you fire it each time. If that sounds like a lot, the invention of multipurpose maintenance products can make the job feel effortless.

The most obvious example for one of these products is a gun cleaner, lubricator, and protectant, otherwise known as CLPs. This type of solution has perfected the art of satisfying each one of a firearm’s most fundamental needs. With your gun unloaded and disassembled, dispense a small drop of the product onto the manufacturer-recommended locations. From there, all you have to do is rub the solution in and wipe away any excess byproducts with a lint-free cloth. Work this best practice into your routine to clear out residue from the chamber and ensure your gun remains ready to fire on all cylinders.

Storing Your Gun Responsibly

Our third and final essential gun maintenance tip revolves around where you choose to keep your firearm(s). Always select a secure location where children or house guests will not be able to locate them quickly. In order to best protect your gun, this location should be free from dust and moisture, both of which can compromise the integrity of your firearm if gone unchecked for too long. It’s highly recommended to invest in a gun safe because this will protect your hardware from contaminants while keeping them out of the wrong hands.

With all these points being said, your gun care routine will take some time and education. Be patient with how you progress and pay attention to how your firearm operates the first time you take it to the range after applying a cleaner and lubricant. Proper cleaning and maintenance should result in minimal malfunctions, which should be motivation enough to take care of your guns. You spent a decent amount of money on your hardware, and keeping them in great shape has never been this painless.

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If this sounds like you, trust us when we say that you are not alone. Bike chain maintenance requires a certain knowledge of how the mechanism works. It is also beneficial to have a product that can keep your chain clean, lubricated, and protected from all the time spent on trails and roads. That’s why we created a product that makes it easy to keep your bicycle chain in great shape.

Read on to learn all about STA-BIL Bike Chain Cleaner & Lubricant to protect your investment and love your bike for longer.

STA-BIL SPORT Bike Chain Cleaner & Lubricant Explained

Every time you hop on your bike to go for a ride, you are putting the chain to the test. It’s the hardest-working mechanism of the bicycle. More importantly, the chain is actively exposing itself to elements that directly challenge its integrity. We’re talking about dirt, grit, and even moisture. All of these factors can negatively impact how well a bike chain moves through the sprocket and derailleurs. When gone unchecked for too long, each rotation feels much more labored than the first time you took the saddle.

The solution to improving bicycle performance lies in properly cleaning and lubricating the chain. For this reason, the STA-BIL SPORT line carefully crafted a cleaner and lubricant that is designed specifically for bicycle chains. The formula loosens dirt and grit from the chain’s surface, making it easy to wipe away. Once clean, STA-BIL Bike Chain Cleaner & Lubricant leaves a thin, protective layer to resists dirt and rust from accumulating. In essence, a clean bike chain is a happy bike chain. And this product takes it one step further by keeping the chain system lubricated for a silky ride.

How to Use STA-BIL SPORT Bike Chain Cleaner & Lubricant

Apply STA-BIL Bike Chain Cleaner and Lubricant directly to the chain while moving the bicycle pedal to keep the chain rotating. Allow for a full rotation so the product is evenly spread across the entire chain mechanism of your bicycle. After you’ve done this, simply take another clean rag to wipe away any excess product that is clinging to the surface. Following these steps will keep the chain clean, lubricated, and protected each time you go out for a ride.

Extending Bicycle Life With STA-BIL SPORT Bike Chain Cleaner & Lubricant

A clean chain that stays properly lubricated is the key to enjoying a healthy bike. It’s pretty easy to understand why. A bicycle’s drivetrain is what ultimately determines what your riding experience is like. If the chain is dirty or disconnected from the derailleur in any areas, you will begin to notice some problems. For instance, peddling is more difficult or there’s a loud grinding noise every time you complete a full rotation.

STA-BIL Bike Chain Cleaner & Lubricant satisfies two services (cleaning and lubricating) that are central to bicycle chain health. Keeping a bottle handy is a great idea, especially for casual riders who don’t want to spend too much time on maintenance. Even if you only apply the product once in awhile, you are doing more than you know to keep the drivetrain functioning at a high level. In fact, you prolong and preserve the stability of your bicycle with only one application.

We hope this helped to educate you on simple bike chain maintenance. Follow the button below to learn even more about STA-BIL Bike Chain Cleaner & Lubricant to see if it’s right for you.

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1. Make sure your tires have plenty of air

This first tip is so easy and obvious that it might pain you to see that we called it out. However, you would be surprised at how long some cyclists go without ever thinking about tire pressure. Here’s a simple trick to help you build a healthy habit. Use your hand to touch both of your tires before every ride. The simple act requires no equipment, only a brief moment before you take the saddle. If your finger can push the tire in, add a little air. Once you get comfortable with this routine, you can graduate to learning about how much PSI is appropriate for your model. As a general rule of thumb, use between 80-130 PSI for road bikes, 30-50 PSI for mountain bikes, and 50-70 PSI on hybrid models. If you’re looking after a little one, children’s bike tires should fall somewhere between 20-40 PSI.

2. Keep your bike’s drivetrain clean & lubricated

Your bicycle’s drivetrain is arguably the most important mechanism of the machine because you can’t get anywhere without it. A bicycle’s drivetrain includes the sprocket (or chain wheel), derailleur, cassette, and the chain itself. All components work together to propel the bike forward, but this system fails if excess dirt and grit are actively living on these surfaces. More importantly, you can cause significant damage to the drivetrain if your chain is not adequately lubricated. You can avoid any headaches that will cost you a pretty penny in repairs with a chain cleaner and lubricant. All you have to do is put a thin layer of product directly onto the chain while peddling backward. By making this another healthy habit, you won’t hear that unsightly grinding noise while going out for a ride. Instead, you will be gliding along with the peace of mind that comes with a strong drivetrain.

3. Tighten loose nuts & bolts without “overdoing” it

Another simple trick that doesn’t require much expertise is running a simple audit of your bicycle’s nuts and bolts. These little pieces are crucial to maintaining the integrity of your bike, especially if you don’t want to faceplant the next time you go for a ride. We’re assuming you don’t. Therefore, take a look to see if anything seems loose. Take a moment to tighten up any loose components, which will inevitably happen over time. Just keep in mind that there is no need to overtighten these loose pieces. All bike models have specified torque limits. If your bicycle is held together too tightly, you can cause physical damage. Start with weekly checks of the nuts and bolts to get a good feel for the “sweet spot.”

4. Use a combo cleaner & protectant

There are many opinions out there about whether or not washing your bike is a good idea. Those who are against it are primarily concerned with water causing rust, and rightfully so. Corrosion is a huge issue that negatively impacts the performance of your bicycle. However, keeping your bike clean will not only help it appear new. It will extend its usable life. The key is finding a compatible cleaner and protectant that works well on common bicycle surfaces (like metal). Regular application will clean away dirt and grit from the tires, frame, and handlebars while leaving a protective shield over the finish. If you’re wondering how often you should clean your bike, it’s no different than washing your car. Have you recently gotten back from a muddy ride? Best to give your bike a proper bath before your next ride.

5. Test & inspect your brakes once a month

Last but certainly not least, you have to inspect your brakes on a monthly basis. The last thing you want to do is find yourself descending on a hill at top speed with no way of slowing down. You can avoid this scenario by running a test of the brake pads before hopping on. While standing, walk your bicycle forward and check both of the handlebar brakes. If you don’t feel a sudden stop, your brakes are not functioning as they should. Most bike models have a wear indicator for the brake pads. If you are close or over the line, the time has come to take it into a maintenance shop for a professional inspection. You and the other cyclists around you will be glad that you did.

The post 5 Bicycle Maintenance Tips & Tricks You Can Try At Home appeared first on Gold Eagle.

But it’s not enough to say that you love your bike. You also want to show it.

Preserving the things we care about is written in our DNA, that’s why the STA-BIL SPORT line developed a bike cleaner that doubles as a protectant shield against nasty elements like water, moisture, rust, and corrosion. It’s versatile enough to spray on all of your bike’s surfaces, and it couldn’t be simpler to use.

Read on to learn how STA-BIL SPORT Bike Cleaner & Protectant is the easiest way to show your bike that you care. After all, it’s designed to keep your bike looking new for longer.

STA-BIL SPORT Bike Cleaner & Protectant Explained

The STA-BIL SPORT Bike Cleaner spray was invented specifically for bicycles. Its powerful cleanser quickly and easily removes nasties like dirt, grit, and salt from every surface. And for peace of mind, when it dries, it leaves an invisible protective shield for up to five weeks to guard against water, moisture, rust, corrosion, and powerful UV rays that can fade and discolor your gorgeous paint job.

The product works effectively on all bikes surfaces, such as metal, carbon fiber, plastic, paint, and even rubber on the sides of the tires. Don’t believe us? See so for yourself on the image below that showcases a bike wheel with and without treatment. The difference is clear as day, making this cleaner & protectant the ultimate companion for seasoned cyclists and casual riders alike.

How to Use STA-BIL SPORT Bike Cleaner & Protectant

STA-BIL SPORT Bike Cleaner & Protectant works on nearly all bicycle components and surfaces, but it’s important to note that you should never use it on brake pads. With that in mind, all you need is a soft towel and the product. Spray it on and wipe down the frame, handlebars, wheels, or any other component of the bike you want to clean & protect. It can be used on metal, carbon fiber, rubber, plastic, paint, and leather. Follow this process every five weeks to keep your bicycle in excellent shape. If you want to put the five-week timeline to the test, spray your bike with a hose after a ride to see how easily the dirt comes off. If grime sticks to the surfaces, you know it’s time for another treatment.

Keep Moving Forward with STA-BIL SPORT Bike Cleaner & Protectant

Opinions on bicycle maintenance vary based on who you are speaking with and your personal preference. Some avid cyclists are regularly cleaning their bikes and bring them in twice a year for a tune-up. Other folks may go years without getting their bike into a shop for cleaning or maintenance, but wish that could work and look better. Some people don’t ride that frequently, so they may not consider maintaining it, let alone take it in for an official tune-up at a local bike shop. But then after some time passes, they might begin to notice small areas of rust and corrosion.

STA-BIL SPORT Bike Cleaner & Protectant is designed to be simple and quick to use so anyone can easily clean & protect their beloved bike without a lot of complications or hassles. Now someone who has never even thought to take care of their bike can take a significant step to preserve and protect this cherished thing they love. The confidence offered by using this cleaner & protectant can keep all cyclists moving forward, whether it’s down a challenging trail or a quiet suburban street.

STA-BIL SPORT Bike Cleaner & Protectant FAQ

Bicycle maintenance products come in different shapes and serve multiple purposes. STA-BIL SPORT Bike Cleaner & Protectant was designed to erase any confusion with a simple spray bottle that accomplishes what you need. But if you’re still curious to know more about the product after reading through this blog, turn your attention to two common questions folks have.

Q: Do I need to wash my bike with water before using STA-BIL SPORT Bike Cleaner & Protectant?
A: No. You can spray the product on a soft towel and go directly to wiping down the surfaces of your bicycle.

Q: Is there a recommended timeframe to re-apply?
A: Use the bike cleaner & protectant once every five weeks if you want to experience the best results. Test this out by using a hose to try and remove dirt and grime in between treatments. If it rinses off easily, you don’t need to re-apply yet.

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The post STA-BIL SPORT Bike Cleaner & Protectant – What You Need to Know appeared first on Gold Eagle.

STA-BIL Gun CLP Explained

STA-BIL Gun CLP is an all-in-one cleaner, lubricator, and protectant for handguns, rifles, shotguns, and more. The additive is a firearm’s best friend as it clears away gun powder, oils the chamber to stop jamming, and prevents corrosion in the metal. Think of it as the one product you will need to satisfy the three most important aspects of gun maintenance. We see gun ownership as an investment when we created STA-BIL Gun CLP. That’s why the additive is specifically designed to preserve those investments on the most basic level.

How to Use STA-BIL Gun CLP

Prior to use, make sure that your firearm is unloaded and follow this best practice every time you clean your gun. Dispense a small drop of STA-BIL Gun CLP onto the gun manufacturer-recommended locations of your firearm. You can then rub the liquid back and forth using your finger or a rag to clean, lubricate, and protect the gun. Once complete, use a clean, dry rag to wipe away any excess product from the weapon. That’s all it takes to give your firearm the trio of treatments that will extend its usable life.

STA-BIL Gun CLP & First-Time Firearm Owners

There is a lot of research that goes into the process of purchasing a gun. Like buying a car, you must consider your vehicle’s intended uses to identify models that match your needs. The same logic goes into your decision-making process for a gun. If you plan to go hunting, you will likely get a rifle. If you plan to go to the shooting range, you might want to narrow your search down to handguns. Regardless of which side you fall on, you know that you will have to keep up with routine maintenance. And that’s where STA-BIL CLP comes in. Using the product is a straightforward solution to preserving your firearms.

STA-BIL Gun CLP FAQ

We’ve gone over the most important aspects of STA-BIL Gun CLP, but you might be curious to know more. Check out a couple of the most commonly asked questions customers have about the product.

Q: Will using too much of the product harm my gun?
A: No. It is only recommended to use a small drop. However, you can always wipe away excess product from your gun if you get a little carried away when using it.

Q: Is STA-BIL Gun CLP easy to use?
A: Yes, it’s extremely user-friendly. Simplicity is the name of the game, so all you have to do is dispense the product and rub it in.

Q: How long will a bottle last?
A: A little bit goes a long way, so one bottle will last you a long time, even if you clean your weapon on a weekly basis.

For more information, be sure to visit the STA-BIL Gun CLP product page by hitting the button below.

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Protection

As with anything, safety is imperative and that includes riding a motorcycle. This helmet was selling for 53% off for Black Friday, taking the price down from $740 to $349.99.

When you are riding a motorcycle, there is nothing between you and your surroundings but air. There are also no airbags in a motorcycle. Luckily, there are airbag vests!

Clothing

The right clothing is a must when it comes to being a motorcyclist. Clothing protects from the elements, as well as injuries. This jacket was discounted 41% last year. It also has a built-in airbag.

What’s better than boots? Boots that are waterproof, yet breathable, protective, yet malleable. Last year’s Black Friday saw these boots reduced 31%.

Motorcycle gloves not only complete the look, but they offer great protection for the hands. These gloves, which were reduced in price by 20% last year, are waterproof and offer great protection.

For The Bike

This particular item is a great choice for those conscious of air pollution from a motorcycle and wants to do something about it. This air cleaner kit was reduced by 10% last year. While this one is only for a Harley, there are other cleaning kits for other brands.

Other drivers tend not to notice those on a motorcycle, which is why riders try to make themselves noticed in other ways. One of these ways includes a 113-decibel horn. This is as loud as a turbo-fan aircraft takeoff power at 220 feet, a riveting machine, and live rock music.

Motorcycles lack the cargo space of other vehicles. Luckily, there are panniers and saddlebags. For last year’s Black Friday sales, these were reduced by about 10%. The best saddlebags for a motorcycle would be waterproof, easy to mount, and durable.

Other

What is better than the right saddlebags for your motorcycle? A waterproof, abrasion-resistant backpack whose weight you won’t even notice as you are traveling down the road. Not only can you load your saddlebags with what you need, but you also have a backpack that distributes weight to reduce fatigue on longer rides and does not localize that weight on your shoulders.

You have something to cover you, do you have anything to cover your motorcycle when you are not riding it? Last year’s Black Friday saw these all-season covers reduced 10%. What better way to protect our bike than with a lightweight water-resistant cover which also has a ventilation system to minimize condensation and allows for air circulation? It even comes in a compression bag for easy storage, such as in a backpack or a saddlebag.

The post Friday Deals for Motorcycle Owners appeared first on Gold Eagle.

If you are in search of a great RV road trip this summer, consider 10 routes suggested by the Travel Channel. How about a Rocky Mountains trek from Albuquerque, NM, to Glacier National Park? Or, what about a Gulf Coast excursion from Texas’ Padre Island all the way to the Florida Keys?

Whatever your destination, your RV delivers memorable experiences with those who are special in your life.

Washing Your RV

Periodic washing is ideal, particularly if you are traveling routes that get dusty or muddy. The outside of your RV faces repeated assaults by an array of harmful substances, including:

Dust, dirt and grime

To protect your investment, periodic washing is highly recommended. Avoid using regular dish soap because it can strip away protective coatings. Instead, use 303 Ultra-Concentrated Car Wash.

RV manufacturer Jayco offers these tips for washing the exterior of your RV.

DO:

• Avoid washing in direct sunlight
• Spray with clean water to remove dust and dirt
• Prepare a mild car wash solution
• Starting at the top, use a 303 Car Wash Mitt to wash your RV
• Rinse liberally with clean water
• Wipe dry with an appropriate cloth or towel

DON’T:

• Use very hot water
• Let a pressure washer nozzle get closer than 16 inches to the surface
• Point a pressure washer at door and window seals or around appliance vents

Avoid abrasive compounds and anything that leaves a filmy residue behind.

Always use pressure washers with caution. Go light on vulnerable areas, like those travel decals on the rear of your RV. You always want to strike a balance between dirt removal and protecting the finish.

Bug residue, road tar and other contaminants

Road tar, bug residue, bird droppings and tree sap stubbornly adhere to exterior Over time, these contaminants can stain or even etch the outside of your RV. Avoid the temptation to use gasoline or petroleum-based solvents to get rid of these surface contaminants. Instead, use a product formulated for the task.

Oxidation and other UV damage

The body of an RV is typically made of fiberglass because it is lightweight, durable and resilient. Such surfaces are typically covered with a resin-based gel coat. Over time, oxidation often causes gel coats to get yellow or hazy. Use 303 Aerospace Protectant to remove gel coat oxidation and inhibit future damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Tire browning

Apply 303 Tire and Rubber Cleaner to your tires and other rubber surfaces. It cleans up tire browning, a common challenge given the conditions RV tires endure.

Cleaning the roof

EPDM rubber membrane roofs are UV and leak-resistant. EPDM roofs, petroleum distillates and harsh abrasives do not mix! You may void your warranty if you use the wrong product on your RV’s EPDM roof. Petroleum distillates may actually loosen the adhesives holding the rubber membrane in place. Instead, use 303 Aerospace Protectant. The UV-resistant formulation prevents fading and cracking. It also restores lost color while imparting a pleasing matte finish.

Protecting Your RV

Once your RV is nice and clean, you’ll want to treat exterior and interior surfaces to further protect your investment.

Exterior

303 Touchless Sealant is a new protectant with special qualities. Enjoy a glossy, UV-resistant exterior finish that can last for months. It is safe for use on fiberglass gel coat, painted surfaces, wheels and windshields. 303 Automotive Speed Detailer inhibits fading, reduces streaking and protects against light scratches.

Restore that “like-new” look to your tires with Tire Balm & Protectant. Apply extra coats for a shinier look. Reduce the chance of fading, cracking and dry rot with this UV-resistant formulation.

Interior

Many RVs have leather and/or vinyl surfaces. Use 303 Automotive Leather 3-in-1 Complete Care to clean and protect seats, cushions and other surfaces. For other interior surfaces, use 303 Multi-Surface Cleaner.

Wherever you find yourself during this season of adventure, 303 Products has you covered! Our premium cleaners and protectants help you care for RVs and other vehicles of all kinds.

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Consider this list of RV maintenance musts and follow these handy tips for good RV maintenance, and you’ll be on your way to another wonderful road trip in no time.

1. Inspect the Roof & Check for Leaks

Making sure that your roof isn’t leaking is a definite RV maintenance must. There is a wide assortment of vents, seams, and other areas on an RV where leaks can occur. Check around the air conditioner unit, edges of the roof, and any skylights, as well as any outer framework if applicable. An unchecked water leak can wreak havoc on an RV. Use a product such as No Leak to condition rubber seals to prevent leaks.

RV Tip: It would be good to have this packed as one of your travel essentials in case of emergencies.

If you have a rubber roof, you also need to clean and protect it. An RV rubber roof should be cleaned about four times a year with an RV roof treatment product that is EPDM safe.

2. Check the RV Batteries

Keeping your RV battery fully charged as much as possible ensures you won’t suddenly have a dead battery in the middle of your trip. Test your battery at least once a year–RV batteries tend to last about 3-5 years depending on how often you utilize your RV and the type of battery.

3. Check the Tires

Make sure the tire pressure is good and that all the lug nuts are securely fastened is very important. If you travel often in your RV, lug nuts can become loose, so be sure to check to in order to ensure your safety on the road. Additionally, different climates can cause changes in tire pressure, so as you travel cross-country, be sure to check the tire pressure often to ensure they aren’t over or under-inflated.

4. Check the Brakes

Another of the most important RV tips is to check the brakes before any travel. The brake pads should still be in good working condition, and the wheel bearings should be properly lubricated.

5. Clean the RV

In addition to regular washing of the RV, there are several areas that require attention after each trip, such as the slide outs. This ensures that dirt and debris don’t build up. Follow these tips for washing an RV, using good automotive cleaning products.

6. Keep the Awning Maintained

Aside from dirt and debris, mold and mildew can build up on an RV awning if not cleaned regularly. Clean and maintain your RV awning and it will last you through several years of use.

7. Check Your Headlights

Make sure the headlights are working properly and keep them clean, removing dirt and grime with a headlight restoration kit.

8. Change the Oil

If you don’t travel often, you may not think you need to change the oil as much based on the mileage you’ve driven. But oil that has been sitting for a season or longer may not work as well and could cause more wear and tear on the engine.

RV Tip: Change the oil at least once a year, even if you haven’t used the RV much or at all.

Based on the type of RV you have, there may be other RV tips or RV maintenance needs you should attend to. Consult the RV manual that came with your model for complete instructions on proper care and maintenance.

The post RV Maintenance Musts appeared first on Gold Eagle.

If you didn’t change the oil or winterize your motorcycle before you stored it away last fall, you should do it before getting back on the road this spring.

Doing an oil change at home yourself is easy enough, and we’re going to walk you through how to change the oil on a motorcycle – complete with pictures!

You’ll want to gather your supplies before starting – this includes oil, motorcycle oil filter, oil pan, funnel, and socket wrench.  While it’s not necessary to have a rear paddock stand or motorcycle jack or lift, it does make things a little bit easier.

Once your supplies are gathered, fire up your motorcycle and let it run for around five minutes – this allows the oil to warm up and increases the flow when draining.  This is not a required step but definitely makes the process a bit quicker.

Remove the oil cap and set aside in a safe place.

You’ll then want to position the oil pan underneath the oil pan drain bolt and grab your socket wrench to remove the bolt.  Be sure to set aside the oil pan drain bolt with the oil cap.

While the oil is draining safely into the oil pan, you can remove the motorcycle oil filter.

Because changing the oil on your motorcycle can be messy, we recommend grabbing a shop cloth and placing the oil cap and oil pan drain bolt on it.  This also makes a perfect place to stash the old oil filter after removal.

Once the motorcycle oil has completely drained, you can re-insert the oil pan drain bolt.  Nothing is worse than stripping the drain bolt – if you have access to a torque wrench, check out the manufacturer’s recommended torque for the drain bolt and proceed.  There are differing opinions between motorcycle enthusiasts in regards to torque wrenches for the drain bolt, but most agree to tighten using a standard ratchet until snug, and then giving an extra 1/4 – 1/3 turn is sufficient.

As we previously mentioned, changing the oil on your motorcycle can be messy.  After inserting the oil pan drain bolt, you’ll want to grab a shop cloth and wipe the area down of any oil that may have dripped.

Before installing the new oil filter, dip your finger into your new oil and apply to the o-ring.  Not only does this help ensure a seal when installing, but also prevents it from being stuck during your next oil change.

After the o-ring has been wetted with fresh oil, you can install it.  The same rule applies here to the motorcycle oil filter as it does to the oil pan drain bolt – tighten until snug and then give an extra 1/4 – 1/3 turn.

Once the new oil filter has been tightened, give the area a wipe with your shop cloth so that everything is neat and clean.

Grab your funnel and pour in your clean oil.

After you’ve topped your motorcycle off with fresh oil, put the oil cap back in place and start the bike up for a few minutes to get the new oil circulated through the engine.  Be sure to check the oil pan drain bolt and the oil filter to make sure you’ve tightened them enough.  If you see drops of oil forming, wipe clean and tighten a bit more.

With this step-by-step tutorial on how to change your motorcycle oil, you no longer have to fear this bit of basic maintenance.

The post How to Change the Oil On Your Motorcycle appeared first on Gold Eagle.

Since tire pressure can change quickly, all drivers should know how to check their tires’ pressure. The following directions will teach you how to check tire air pressure for safety.

1. Check Tire Air Pressure: Get a Reliable Tire Pressure Gauge

Today, you can buy analog and digital tire pressure gauges. Either type can give you accurate pressure readings. You should, however, compare product reviews before you spend money on a tire pressure gauge. You will likely find that some work better than others.

Many experts prefer analog tire pressure gauges because the batteries in digital models can die, leaving you without a way to check your tire pressure.

Once you buy a reliable, accurate tire pressure gauge, put it in your glove box or another secure place in your vehicle.

2. Check Tire Air Pressure: Know Your Car’s Recommended PSI

Most tires have recommended pressures between 30 and 35 PSI. Don’t assume that your vehicle fits into that range, though.

Your car’s owner’s manual should have a tire air pressure chart that includes the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.

If your owner’s manual doesn’t list a tire air pressure chart, contact your local dealership for the information. Low tire pressure can decrease your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and put a lot of wear and tear on your tires. High air pressure can make decrease traction, making sudden stops difficult.

3. Check Tire Air Pressure: Use Your Gauge to Measure Each Tire’s Pressure

Now that you know your manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure, you can check each tire with your pressure gauge.

It’s best to measure the pressure of “cold tires” that haven’t been driven in several hours. The heat created by contact with the road can artificially increase your tire’s air pressure. Cold tires should give you a more accurate reading.

Unscrew and remove each tire’s cap. Connect the tire pressure gauge to each tire and note the reading. If it falls within the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, then you don’t have anything to worry about.

4. Check Tire Air Pressure: Add Air to Tires With Low Pressure

If your tires have low air pressure, then you will need to add compressed air to the tires. You can purchase an air compressor to use at home. Alternatively, you can use the air compressors at filling stations. It usually costs less than a dollar to use a filling station’s air compressor.

Once you reach the recommended pressure, your car because safer, more fuel efficiency, and pleasant to drive.

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