Now, floods are something that we can no longer predict to happen because of climate change. Early 2022 this year, there are still some states experiencing bad flood situations after a heavy downpour for several hours.
It is disheartening to see the many suffer property damage – houses, cars, and even motorcycles.
Bjak has already shared tips to salvage your submerged cars in our previous post. This time, let’s focus on tips for our motorcyclists on how to save their motorcycles if flooded with water.
Read on for more information!
Is your motorcycle flooded with water? Follow these tips!
Don’t start the engine
Never attempt to start the engine of a motorcycle that has been submerged in floodwater right after the water level recedes.
Please refrain from starting the engine by pressing the electrical starter. This aims to prevent a short circuit to the electrical power that may still be flowing.
Please move the motorcycle to a safer area to dry it first before repairing it.
Remove the water from the exhaust
Tip your bike backward, as if you were doing a wheelie, to allow the water to drain from the exhaust pipe.
Meanwhile, take out the cover set on the right side of your motorcycle. Then, remove the airbox section to allow the water to drain from the exhaust pipe. Leave it open until dry.
Unplug the spark plug
A spark plug functions as a burner of a mixture of air and fuel that produces an electric spark.
A spark plug is quite a sensitive material component. You need to unplug this component to ensure hygiene. However, you are recommended to replace it if it is already flooded with water.
Check fuel tank
You may proceed with checking the fuel tank. Please check if the oil has been contaminated with flood water.
If it is already mixed, please clear the tank and refill it with new fuel. This is to prevent further damage caused by the contaminated oil with floodwater.
Change lubricant oil
Lubricant oil is necessary in order to start the engine. It functions to smooth the movement and friction of components in a motorcycle engine.
Make sure to change the lubricating oil as the mud from the flood may have gotten into the engine. It can cause friction, snagging, and cause further damage to other components.
Change oil filter
In addition to changing the lubricant oil, please do the same with the oil filter.
Change gear oil
You also have to replace the gear oil if it has been contaminated with floodwater. Dirty gear oil can cause friction between the edge of the gear. The colour of the oil is usually red. But if it is already mixed with water, the colour will change to light brown.
Clear the gear oil and refill it with a new one. You may use the cheap oil first if you have no budget. Turn on the motorcycle engine and leave it for about 5 minutes. After that, you may remove the oil and refill it with new gear oil.
Please repeatedly check the gear oil to ensure the colour is red and no longer contaminated with water.
Clean the motorcycle
Make sure to clean every part of the motorcycle. This is to avoid the presence of dirt residue that may still be attached to small components. They may potentially cause other damage.
Once done, you may turn on the engine again.
However, if you do not know how to do the necessary inspection as shared above yourself, you may send your motorcycle to the workshop.
Is your area at risk of flooding? Take this precaution!
- Park your motorcycle in a higher area if the weather looks gloomy (about to rain).
- Wrap the motorcycle carburetor with plastic.
- Don’t leave any belongings on your motorcycle.
- If the water level is still shallow, you can wade the flood but make sure to use low gear. If the water is on the rise, do not attempt to turn on the engine. Please wait until the water level recedes.
Motorcycle flooded with water: Can you claim insurance to repair the damage?
To your knowledge, the insurance company does not cover or compensate if your motorcycle is damaged or washed away by the floodwater.
But, you can turn the table around if you purchase additional special perils coverage (natural disaster) in your comprehensive policy. This protection is especially necessary if you are staying in flood-prone areas.
Get sufficient coverage cover if your motorcycle is flooded with water
Please make sure your vehicle has adequate insurance coverage regardless of vehicle type. Please add this additional special perils coverage (natural disaster) in your next insurance renewal if possible.
You will usually have to pay an additional 0.5% of the sum insured for your car for this add-on cover. However, the additional premium varies across insurers.
Anything can happen these days with the unpredictable weather. It is better to be prepared to prevent financial losses in the future. Visit Bjak to purchase the best comprehensive insurance plan. You may add the additional special perils coverage in your policy too.
Compare across 15 insurers and choose the right coverage for your car.
Also read:
- Car Insurance Add-On: Special Perils Cover
- Flash Floods in Klang Valley, Thousands of Vehicles Submerged in Floodwaters
- Vehicles Piling Up in Workshops Following Flash Floods in Klang Valley
- Does Car Insurance Cover Flood Damage?
- 5 Tips To Save Your Submerged Car In Floods!
- Additional Coverages For Car Insurance
