We’ve talked to you about riding your bike safely during the winter, but what about the summer? The safety precautions are different with each weather. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe under the sun.

Stay Safe on Your Motorcycle This Summer in Ham Lake

During the summer you usually have more free time to relax and take your motorcycle out for a ride. You’re probably looking for ways to make your bike faster when you hit the road. Before you head out driving under the summer sun, there are some safety precautions you should take. The heat can take a toll on your body and affect your health and riding skills. Here are some suggestions to say cool and safe under the sun.

Hydration/Lubrication is Key

Being exposed to high temperatures for long periods of time can lead to heat exhaustion and dehydration, which is why you need to drink water when you ride. Dehydration can affect your ability to control your motorcycle. Have some water or a sports drink readily at hand to restore your electrolytes. Think about wearing a hydration backpack with a drinking tube, so you don’t have to stop to get that drink. You should also mind what you eat as well. Heavy foods like steak and potatoes raise your body temperature and make you hot and sweaty. Don’t forget about your bike’s hydration/lubrication needs. You need to lubricate your motorcycle with grease and oil. Both lubricants do different jobs, so they’re not interchangeable. Motorcycle oil performs many tasks, and it’s specifically designed to meet your bike’s needs, so don’t think about replacing it with car oil. Always get the best lubricants for your bike, you can find them in AMSOIL Synthetic Oil. Explore their online store to get everything you need for a synthetic oil change in Ham Lake. They have this great V-Twin Oil Change Kit which already comes with oil and an oil filter for your convenience. You can also call All Service Oil at (763) 257-3130 to get some recommendations for your synthetic oil change and place your order.

Dress Appropriately

With the summer heat, you’re probably thinking about wearing shorts and short sleeves to remain cool while driving. That’s the opposite of what you should be doing. You need to protect your skin from the sun. You need to wear the appropriate apparel to regulate your body temperature. Start with a good base that will absorb sweat away from your skin. As sweat evaporates, your body temperature lowers. Look for snug-fitting clothes. They provide compression and improve your blood circulation, which will make you feel less tired. Alternatively, you can wear a cooling vest, which is a vest filled with water-retaining beads that helps keep you cool. Layers might seem like too much when you’re trying to cool down, but they will protect your skin in case of an accident and help you prevent sunburn and dehydration.

Choose Your Driving Hours Smartly

The day is at its hottest between noon and five PM, so try to avoid riding during those hours. If possible, try to drive during the morning or early evening when the sun isn’t burning on your back, and you’re not exposing yourself unnecessarily to the heat. Remember that the temperature also affects the road. In some states, they use tar-like materials to fill the cracks in the streets. Perhaps you know them as tar snakes. They can get slippery when it’s hot and become dangerous for bikers. Try to steer clear of them as much as possible, and if you can’t, tread carefully.

Follow Common Sense

All the safety gear in the world is not going to keep you safe if you act recklessly while you’re riding your bike. Listen to your body. If you start feeling dizzy or lightheaded, if you develop a headache or you start to cramp, stop. You’re overheated, and you need to hydrate and cool down. Don’t ignore these signs and become a danger to yourself and your fellow drivers. While on the subject of common sense, don’t get overconfident when you’re on the road. Even if you drive down the same street every day, you never know if something is going to be different that day. Maybe some roadwork, an accident, or some other situation can affect you if you’re distracted. Respect your bike and the road.

Get Everything You Need for a Synthetic Oil Change and to Meet Your Bike’s Other Lubrication Needs in Ham Lake

You’re not the only one who is affected by the sun and the heat during the summer, your bike is too. Help it remain cool and lubricated with an AMSOIL Synthetic Oil change in Ham Lake. Take your time to browse through AMSOIL’s motorcycle line and find everything you need to keep it top shape and extend its longevity. You can get your synthetic oil, spray grease, and antifreeze all in the same place. If you’re not into online shopping, go ahead and give All Service Oil a call at (763) 257-3130 to get some recommendations and place your order. ;