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Exposure to salt air, sand and intense use can compromise components such as spark plugs, belts and rollers, requiring preventive review
São Paulo, January 2026 - With the arrival of the beginning of the year, period when many people take advantage of their vacations to travel to the beach, the use of motorcycles on trips that combine roads and coastal regions intensifies. Nonetheless, exposure to salt air, sand, dust and the high demands on the engine demand specific care with preventive maintenance, as these factors can compromise important components for the performance and safety of the motorcycle.
Thinking about it, Niterra do Brasil, official importer of the Japanese belt and roller brand Bando and global reference in ignition systems, Highlights important belt guidance, rollers and spark plugs, items directly impacted by these conditions.
1 – Velas de ignição: responsible for initiating combustion of the air/fuel mixture, spark plugs should be checked after long trips or exposure to moisture. It is recommended to observe signs of corrosion, misfires, difficulty starting and loss of performance. Worn or contaminated spark plugs compromise engine efficiency, increase fuel consumption and can cause failures during operation, alert the company. When traveling, it is common to fill up our motorcycles at stations on the road or in cities where the quality of the fuel is unknown., an inspection may indicate the presence of residues and the use of poor quality fuel. Replacement must always follow the manufacturer's specifications.
2 – Correias de transmissão: on scooters with CVT automatic transmission, the belt is a critical component. The presence of sand and dust, combined with the heat generated on long journeys, can accelerate material wear. The condition of the belt must be assessed after this type of use., observing cracks, uneven wear or loss of elasticity. Preventive replacement prevents failures that could leave the rider on the road. Scooters are vehicles designed for urban journeys, Its use on highways and at very high speeds requires extra care.
3 – Roletes: CVT system rollers also deserve special attention. Sand residue combined with heavy use can cause premature wear, affecting the acceleration and overall performance of the scooter.
How to identify signs of failure
According to Hiromori Mori, Niterra Technical Assistance Consultant, the sea air accelerates the oxidation processes, while the accumulation of residues can accelerate the wear of parts that work under constant friction, as is the case with the transmission belts of CVT systems used in scooters, reducing its efficiency and useful life. “Attention to the first signs of wear is essential. In situations of more severe use, as in coastal regions, recurring failures, Abnormal noises, excessive vibrations or loss of performance indicate the need to seek out a specialist mechanic for a more complete inspection. Maintenance of CVT systems is complex and requires specific knowledge, neglect front pulley wear, rear, presence of play and wear in the centrifugal clutch system, Use of low quality parts affect the durability of the system, in addition to these precautions, cleaning the system and correct lubrication points are important to avoid maintenance problems. Another very important precaution is to avoid contaminating the belt and pulleys with oil and grease.. This way we can guarantee safety, avoiding more serious damage to the mechanical assembly”, says the expert.
Furthermore, Maintaining a preventive inspection routine contributes to motorcyclist safety and helps preserve engine performance, reducing the risk of breakages and high costs with corrective repairs. Paying attention to small signs can make the difference between simple maintenance and a more serious problem..
When component replacement is necessary, counting on quality parts and reliable origin is essential. NGK and Niterra offer complete solutions for the aftermarket, Niterra is the official importer of Bando belts in Brazil, ensuring products with original standards, high durability and reliability.
