The scorching heat of a motorcycle seat can be a health hazard. To protect yourself, it’s essential to find ways to quickly cool down the seat.
1 Quick Tip to Cool Your Motorcycle Seat
Use a Cotton Towel
Carry a cotton towel that fits your motorcycle seat. When your bike is parked in the sun, simply wet the towel and place it on the seat. This method is easy and effective in preventing the seat from heating up.
Cool down the seat by placing a wet cotton towel on it
Choose Light-Colored Seat Covers
Light-colored seats reflect heat better
Most motorcycle seats are designed with black covers, which look sleek and stylish. However, black is a heat-absorbing color, and prolonged exposure to sunlight can make the seat uncomfortably hot. Opt for light-colored seat covers instead, as they reflect heat better and keep your seat cooler.
Invest in a Heat-Resistant Seat Cover
For as little as 100,000 to 200,000 VND, you can purchase a heat-resistant seat cover. This is a practical solution, and these covers are easy to find and simple to install.
Heat-resistant seat covers are a smart investment
Use Cold Water or Ice
The quickest way to cool down your seat is to pour cold water or place ice directly on it, then wipe it dry with a cloth. This method will immediately soothe the heat, and you’ll be ready to ride in no time.
Note: Avoid using this method too frequently, as it may damage the seat over time.
2 Tips to Prevent Your Seat from Heating Up
Park in the Shade
Whenever possible, park your motorcycle in a shaded area or under a cover. This will shield your seat from direct sunlight and keep it cooler.
Park your motorcycle in a shaded area to prevent overheating
Use a Heat-Reflective Cover
If you must park your bike outdoors, invest in a heat-reflective cover. These covers not only protect your seat but also shield other parts of your motorcycle from direct sunlight, providing optimal protection.
Heat-reflective covers protect your motorcycle from overheating
Use a Reflective Sunshade
For just over 30,000 VND, you can purchase a reflective sunshade that’s both economical and useful. Made of nylon and coated with a silver layer, this sunshade reflects sunlight and prevents your seat from absorbing too much heat. Its compact design and affordable price make it a popular choice for many motorcycle owners.
A reflective sunshade helps keep your seat cool
Use Newspaper or a Sunshade
You can also use readily available items like newspaper or a sunshade to protect your seat. Newspaper is a common household item and a great way to start your day. Instead of discarding it, keep it in your motorcycle’s storage compartment to shield your seat from the sun when parked outdoors.
Use newspaper to cover your seat and protect it from the sun
If you’re a female rider, you likely own a sunshade skirt. This can also be used to protect your seat on hot days. Simply secure it by tucking the extra fabric into the seat.
Protect Your Seat with Cardboard
Cardboard is easy to find and can be very useful in emergencies. Like newspaper and sunshades, it can be used to shield your seat from the sun’s rays.
Cardboard can be used to protect your seat from the sun’s heat
3 Negative Effects of Parking Your Motorcycle in Direct Sunlight
Faded Seat Color
Prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause your seat’s color to fade, especially if it’s a dark color. This is easily noticeable and can ruin the appearance of your motorcycle.
Torn Seat
The heat from the sun can cause the seat’s covering to deteriorate over time, leading to torn stitching or rips in the seat itself.
Sun exposure can cause the seat to tear
If left unrepaired, a torn seat can absorb water when it rains, causing the foam inside to become wet. This can lead to the seat caving in or other parts of the motorcycle becoming damaged.
Cracked and Wrinkled Seat
Direct sunlight can cause the surface of your seat to become wrinkled or cracked, ruining its shine and aesthetic appeal.
Sun exposure can cause the seat to crack and wrinkle
Brittle Exterior and Faded Paint
Most motorcycle manufacturers use high-quality plastic for the exterior, but prolonged sun exposure can make it brittle and prone to breakage. The paint on the exterior may also fade, chip, or peel.
Engine Damage
Operating a motorcycle in hot weather puts a strain on the engine. The engine already generates heat during operation, and leaving it in the sun only adds to the problem. This can lead to overheating and damage to crucial parts, such as the crankshaft and piston.
Parking your motorcycle in direct sunlight can damage the engine
Tire Blowouts
On hot days, road temperatures can reach 60°C, which is much higher than you might think. This increase in temperature raises the air pressure inside the tires, accelerating tire wear and even leading to blowouts. This can cause accidents for both the rider and other road users.
These tips and tricks will help you quickly cool down your motorcycle seat on hot days. We hope you found this information useful!