Learn basic scooter maintenance tips to ensure a trouble-free ride around Siargao. From checking tire pressure to fuel management, we've got you covered.
# Complete Scooter Maintenance Guide: Keep Your Rental Running Smooth
While we maintain our scooters perfectly, knowing basic checks helps ensure your ride stays smooth throughout your rental. Here's what you need to know.
## Pre-Ride Inspection (Daily Check)
### Every Morning Before Riding
**Takes only 3 minutes!**
### 1. Tires (MOST IMPORTANT!)
**Check for:**
- Visible damage (cuts, bulges)
- Flat spots
- Pressure (should feel firm when pressed)
- Tread depth
**What to do:**
- ✅ Firm and no damage = Good to go!
- ❌ Soft or damaged = Call us immediately
**Why it matters:** Proper tires = safety + fuel efficiency
### 2. Brakes
**Test both brakes:**
- Front brake lever (right hand)
- Rear brake pedal (right foot)
**Should feel:**
- Firm resistance
- Smooth operation
- Scooter stops within 2 meters at low speed
**If spongy or loose:** Call us before riding
### 3. Lights
**Check all lights work:**
- Headlight (low and high beam)
- Taillight
- Brake lights (both front and rear brake)
- Turn signals (left and right)
**Test during pickup** - we check with you!
### 4. Mirrors
**Ensure:**
- Both mirrors attached
- Properly adjusted
- Clean and visible
- Not cracked
**Adjustment:** Sitting on scooter, see behind clearly
### 5. Horn
**Quick honk test:**
- Should be loud and clear
- Works immediately when pressed
**Why:** Essential for safety in traffic
### 6. Kickstand
**Check:**
- Returns to up position smoothly
- Holds scooter stable when down
- Not bent or damaged
**Safety tip:** Scooter won't start if kickstand is down (safety feature)
## Fuel Management
### Understanding Your Fuel Gauge
**Full tank indicator:**
- Needle at "F"
- ~4 liters capacity
- Range: ~150-200 km
**Half tank:**
- Needle at middle
- ~100 km range remaining
**Low fuel (time to refill):**
- Needle near "E"
- ~30 km range left
- Fill up ASAP!
### Where to Get Gas
**General Luna:**
- Shell Station (main road)
- Caltex (near market)
- Small stations (various)
**Other Towns:**
- Dapa (several stations)
- Del Carmen (limited)
- Pilar (one station)
**Cost:** ~₱60-70 per liter
### Fuel-Saving Tips
1. **Smooth acceleration** - Don't gun it!
2. **Steady speed** - Avoid constant speed changes
3. **Lighter load** - Pack only essentials
4. **Proper tire pressure** - Check regularly
5. **Turn off when stopped** - At beach, restaurant
**Average consumption:**
- City riding: 35-40 km/L
- Highway: 40-45 km/L
- With passenger: 30-35 km/L
### Emergency Fuel Situations
**If you run out:**
1. Push scooter to side of road
2. Call us: +63 945 701 4440
3. We'll bring fuel or assistance
4. Most locals can help too!
**Prevention:**
- Fill up when at 1/4 tank
- Know where gas stations are
- Carry extra ₱500 for fuel
## During Your Ride
### Things to Monitor
**Engine sounds:**
- ✅ Smooth humming = normal
- ⚠️ Knocking/rattling = call us
- ❌ Grinding = stop and call
**Handling:**
- ✅ Smooth steering = normal
- ⚠️ Pulling to one side = tire issue
- ❌ Wobbling = stop immediately
**Brakes:**
- ✅ Quick stop = normal
- ⚠️ Longer stopping = brake check needed
- ❌ No braking = STOP SAFELY, call us
### What's Normal vs. Concerning
**Normal:**
- Engine warm after riding
- Slight vibration at idle
- Tires slightly warm
- Occasional small bumps
**Call us if:**
- Excessive heat from engine
- Unusual noises
- Brake problems
- Steering feels wrong
- Lights stop working
- Anything feels "off"
## Storage & Parking Care
### Daytime Parking
**Best practices:**
1. **Shade when possible** - keeps seat cooler
2. **Lock steering** - turn left, turn key
3. **Kickstand on firm ground** - not in sand
4. **Face uphill** - if on slope
5. **Remove valuables** - don't leave in seat storage
### Overnight Storage
**Ideal:**
- Covered parking
- Your accommodation parking
- Hotel/resort parking
- Locked compound
**Avoid:**
- Street parking overnight
- Beach sand (kickstand sinks)
- Flood-prone areas
- Unsecured areas
### Security Tips
**Always:**
- Lock steering
- Remove key
- Park in view (restaurants)
- Ask about parking ("Pwede po mag-park?")
- Take a photo of location (if new area)
**Never:**
- Leave key in ignition
- Leave valuables visible
- Park blocking others
- Park in "No Parking" zones
## Weather Protection
### Sun Exposure
**Park in shade when possible:**
- Seat won't burn you
- Protects plastic parts
- Better for battery
- More comfortable when you return
**If no shade:**
- Cover seat with towel
- Park so seat faces away from sun
### Rain
**If caught in rain:**
1. Wait it out (usually 20-30 min)
2. Use poncho to cover seat
3. Ride slowly after rain (slippery!)
**After rain:**
- Wipe down seat
- Check brakes (squeeze gently to dry)
- Clean mirrors
- Be extra careful riding
## Basic Troubleshooting
### Won't Start
**Check:**
1. Kickstand is UP
2. Holding brake lever
3. Key fully turned to ON
4. Kill switch is OFF
**Still won't start:** Call us!
### Lost Power While Riding
**Might be:**
- Out of fuel
- Too many passengers/weight
- Going uphill
**What to do:**
- Check fuel gauge
- Reduce load if possible
- Call us if continues
### Flat Tire
**Signs:**
- Scooter pulls to one side
- Bumpy ride
- Visible deflation
**What to do:**
1. Pull over safely
2. Call us immediately: +63 945 701 4440
3. We'll come fix or replace
4. **Don't ride** on flat tire!
## What We Cover
**Included in rental:**
- Regular maintenance
- Oil changes (we do before your rental)
- Brake adjustments
- Tire pressure checks
- Battery maintenance
- Emergency assistance
**You're responsible for:**
- Fuel
- Parking fees
- Damage from misuse
- Lost keys (₱500 replacement)
## Emergency Contact Protocol
**For any issues:**
**Call/WhatsApp: +63 945 701 4440**
**Tell us:**
1. Your name
2. Scooter ID (on bike)
3. Location
4. Problem description
5. Are you safe?
**We provide:**
- Immediate phone support
- Roadside assistance
- Replacement scooter if needed
- 24/7 availability
## Pro Maintenance Tips
1. **Fill up early** - don't wait for low fuel warning
2. **Listen to your scooter** - unusual sounds = call us
3. **Brake gently** - preserves brake life
4. **Avoid puddles** - if possible, water can damage parts
5. **Report small issues early** - prevents big problems
6. **Keep clean** - wash off sand/salt from beaches
7. **Respect the scooter** - it respects you back!
## Pre-Return Checklist
**Before returning scooter:**
- [ ] Full tank of gas
- [ ] Clean (wipe down)
- [ ] All items removed from storage
- [ ] Mirrors intact
- [ ] Lights working
- [ ] No new damage
- [ ] Same condition as pickup
**Makes return smooth and gets your deposit back fast!**
## Final Words
Remember: Our scooters are maintained professionally. Your job is simple:
1. ✅ Daily visual check (3 minutes)
2. ✅ Keep fuel above 1/4 tank
3. ✅ Report ANY issues immediately
4. ✅ Ride safely and responsibly
We're here to help 24/7 - never hesitate to call!
**Happy riding! 🏍️**
**Book your perfectly-maintained scooter today!**