Moto Maintenance Tips

Today, we want to tell you about two important fluid levels that you should check to keep your Moto Electric Vehicle in top running order.

Checking Differential Fluid Levels – The differential system of a vehicle is something that sounds foreign to many, yet it is one of the most important vehicle-parts of a vehicle.  Without a differential system, a vehicle is unable to handle properly when traveling around corners, curves or turning at all.  All electric vehicles with a manual transmission must include a differential system.  The primary purpose of the differential system is to evenly distribute force to one wheel or the other, depending on the drag.  Both wheels will have the same force when the drag is equal.

When a vehicle is in a corner, the outside wheels travel further than the inside wheels, creating an unbalance.  If all four wheels are forced to travel the same distance, the vehicle will jump and skid.  The differential corrects this problem.  The differential uses fluid that is heavier in weight (thicker) to help handle the extreme load differentials handle.

To check the fluid level in the differential, you must remove the oil fill/level inductor plug located on the differential, near the top.  When replacing the fluid the drain plug is on the very bottom.

Checking Transmission Fluid Levels – The life of a car part is entirely dependent on the degree of wear and tear it suffers over time, because of the effects of heat and friction.  A manual transmission involves many gears and working vehicle-parts that will wear out without a lubricant.  The manual transmission fluid has anti-wear compounds that can reduce the friction between the gears substantially and ensure smooth operation.  This fluid may evaporate and lose its viscosity with time.  That’s why fluid levels need to be checked regularly, as depletion may lead to major repairs.

To check the transmission fluid level, it is important that your unit is parked on a level surface.  This will ensure that you do not misread the fluid level.  So, park your car on any flat surface with as little slope as possible.  Ideally, you should check the transmission fluid after the vehicle has been parked for some time.  Set the parking brake and remove the “fill” plug, located on the passenger side of the transmission, near the front.  Fluid should be at the level of the plug.  The transmission also has a drain at the bottom in the rear for changing fluid as recommended.

Both transmission and differential use 85W90 gear oil.  In severe cold climates in the winter, you may substitute a lighter-weight gear oil.