XXplore Logo

Care & Maintenance

BATTERY CHARGING

The Battery Charger is supplied along with your Palatino Electric Vehicle. It can be used with any normal domestic AC supply (220V) socket. The charger is designed with auto cut-off feature to avoid overcharging of the batteries. Fully and properly charged batteries not only perform better but also last long. Proper procedure should be followed for battery charging.
1. Wall AC socket should be checked for suitability for connecting the plug of the charger.
2. Check input power supply volts required for charging (220 volts in India).
3. Plug the charger into the wall socket.
4. Connect the charger pin to the charging socket of the vehicle.
5. Confirm that both sides of the charger are properly and firmly connected to respective pins.
6. Switch 'On' the wall socket switch. The LED indicator in the charger turns 'Red' while the batteries are on charging mode.
7. Battery charging should always be done in a proper and open ventilated area only.
8. When batteries are fully charged, the LED indicator turns 'Green'. It is recommended to continue charging for another 30-40 minutes even after the 'Green'   light is turned on, if time permits.
9. After charging the batteries, switch 'Off' the wall socket switch and disconnect the charger from the wall socket as well as from the vehicle.
10. Store the charger in a proper place in order to avoid any damage to it. Now the vehicle is ready for ride.
11. Keep the power 'On/Off' switch of the vehicle in 'Off' condition while charging the battery.
12. It takes 6 to8 hours for charging completely discharged batteries
13. Wall socket power switch should always be in 'Off' mode while connecting or disconnecting charger to the batteries.
14. The Charger should not be exposed to physical shock and severe vibrations in order to avoid any damage to the charger.
Warning ! Ensure that the battery charge indicator on vehicle panel shows full charge when 'Green' LED of the charger is 'On', and even after disconnecting the charger from the mains.
Caution: Do not block the ventilator fan passage of the charger while charging the battery. It may lead to overheating of the battery charger.
Do not use the battery charger supplied along with the vehicle to charge any other batteries
Do not expose the battery charger and its connections to water or any other liquids while charging the battery. If this happens, immediately switch 'Off' the power from wall socket and clean the charger & connections thoroughly. Make sure they are completely dried before reuse.

Tips for improving Battery Life

1. Batteries should be charged for at least 12 hours before using the vehicle for the first time.
2. For first five charge/discharge cycles, it is recommended to drive vehicle for long distance approx 50 kms and fully charge for 8 hours each time.
3. Always ensure full charge in the batteries. Charge the batteries whenever there is an opportunity.
4. Charge batteries to full capacity after even a short trip. Don't wait for a complete discharge.
5. Continue charging for some more time even after the charger LED turns 'Green'.
6. Use throttle gradually, instead of a jerky opening.
7. Avoid over loading.
8. Disconnect the battery terminals if you plan not to use vehicle for longer period of time, more than a month.
9. Fully charge the batteries before disconnecting terminals.
10. Fully charge the batteries once in 30 days during the storage period.
11. Fully charge the batteries before using the vehicle after the long break.

RIDING YOUR PALATINO VEHICLE

Inspection Before Riding

Before commencing any journey on your Palatino vehicle, check the following :
* Batteries are fully charged, It can be seen from Battery Charge indication on panel.
* Even if batteries are not fully charged, there is enough charge of batteries for the planned distance.
* All lights and horn are in working condition.
* Tyres have correct pressure. ( Front 30 t0 35 psi - Rear 35 to 40 psi )
* Steering has smooth free movement.
* Brakes are working.
* Wheels are rotating freely.

Riding Procedures & Precautions

1. Sit comfortably on the vehicle.
2. Insert the control key into the power 'On/Off' switch and turn it to the 'On' position.
Warning ! The charge indicated on the battery charge monitor immediately after switching the power 'On/Off' switch to “On”, maybe higher than the actual charge available in the batteries due to inherent characteristics of the batteries.
3. Do not hold the brake levers.
4. Twist the throttle gradually to supply the power to the motor assembly.
5. The vehicle moves forward.
6. The gradual increase in throttle application enables you to increase the speed of the vehicle.
Warning ! It is advised to be seated on the vehicle before turning 'On' the power. Turning the power 'On' before one is ready, can result in vehicle moving forward and cause injury. Make sure to turn power 'Off' before parking the vehicle.
7. Acceleration and De-acceleration of throttle grip will control the speed.
8. To stop your vehicle, use both brake levers gradually. Sudden or abrupt use may result in vehicle getting imbalanced.
9. Once the vehicle is completely stopped, turn the power “On/Off” switch to “Off” position.
10. Park the vehicle using Central or Side Stand.
Warning ! Power cut-off switches are embedded in the brake levers. When you apply the brakes, power to the motor assembly will turn 'Off' automatically. Therefore, do not hold the brake levers when you are trying to drive the vehicle.
Warning ! Due to inherent characteristics of the batteries, the battery charge monitor may reflect charge available in the batteries than actual charge available immediately after switching the power on/off switch to 'on'

Tips to improve mileage

1. Always keep your batteries fully charged especially before each ride.
2. Always keep your Tyre pressure to the specified limit.
3. Maintain minimum load on the vehicle.
4. Always use throttle gradually. Abrubt opening consumes more power.
5. Avoid frequent acceleration and braking constant driving speed saves power.
6. Have your vehicle serviced at regular intervals at Palatino Automotive Systems Pvt. Ltd. / Authorized Dealer, Authorized Service Centre.

Causes of mileage drop

1. Pillion riding reduces range upto 25% in all mileage range.
2. Night driving with all electrical lights 'On' reduces the range upto 10%.
3. Driving uphill.
4. Overloading the vehicle.
5. Inadequate battery charge.
6. Road and windy conditions.
7. Brake play (front and rear).
NOTE: With proper care and maintenance, you can keep your battery in peak capacity. As your battery ages, it gradually loses its capacity. A drop may be noticed in maximum range (mileage) capability.

SAFE RIDING TIPS

Any two wheelers riding requires some precautions to be taken to ensure the safety of all concerned - the rider, pillion rider and other road users. These precautions are:

Riding apparel

Loose, fancy and dark clothing should be avoided. Always prefer wearing light shaded clothing. Especially during night driving, light colored florescent clothes should be worn for better visibility.

Familiarize yourself with new Palatino Vehicle

Riding skill and your mechanical knowledge form the foundation of safe riding practices. We suggest you to practice riding Palatino Vehicle in a low traffic condition until you are thoroughly familiar with your vehicle and its controls. Remember practice makes you perfect.

Know your limits

Ride within the boundaries of your own skill at all times. Knowing these limits and staying within them will help you to avoid accidents.

Posture

Proper vehicle riding starts with proper posture.
1. Keep your elbows inside close to the body and flexible.
2. Hold your arms at an angel of about 120°.
3. Keep your feet on the floor board
4. Hips should be in a position so that arms and shoulders are relaxed.
5. Look widely instead of gazing at one point.
6. Relax to guard against a sudden impact.
7. Point the toes straight ahead

Braking.

For safe riding, it is very important to master the braking techniques.
1. Close / release the throttle.
2. Hold the vehicle upright as you apply the brake.
3. Progressive application of brakes is safer.
4. Apply both the brakes.
5. Riding down slope and while cornering, close throttle and come to a slower speed to avoid the loss of control over the vehicle due to high speed
2. Hold the vehicle upright as you apply the brake.

Causes for poor braking

1. If the brake shoes or drum are worn out, sufficient friction does not develop and brakes do not work well.
2. If the brake shoes or drum have water or oil on them, again sufficient friction does not develop and brakes do not work well.
3. Even when the brakes work normally, road surface is wet or the tyre face is worn-out, tyres do not take a firm hold on the surface and prolong the braking/stopping distance.
4. Non-usage of front brake cause poor braking. Approximately 60 % braking effect is from front brake only.

Some Important Safety Tips

1. Always keep left of the road while riding (applicable only in India).
2. Always know and observe all Road Safety Laws pertaining to the vehicle (the Highway Code if applicable).
3. Slow down at road junctions and look both ways before crossing.
4. Always use Turning Indicators well before turning to give clear signals to warn other road users in right time about your intentions.
5. Give way to the pedestrians and other motor vehicles.
6. Reduce the speed while cornering.
7. Never hang anything on the handlebars as it can affect steering movement of the vehicle.
8. On unpaved roads, ride very carefully at a speed that suits to the conditions. Be particularly careful when riding on uneven surfaces or roads with loose sand and gravel. Also watch out for potholes.
9. Do not ride too close behind another vehicle in front.
WARNING: NEVER use mobile phones while riding as it could lead to fatal accident.
WARNING: WEAR HELMET. Head Injuries can be fatal. Avoid them. Always wear ISI approved good quality safety helmet. You should also have good suitable eye protection.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Description

SERVICES

FREE

PAY
Period in Kms 500 - 750 1500 - 2000 3500 - 4000 5000 - 5500 7000 - 7500 9000 - 9500 11500 - 12000
Period in Days 30 - 45 60 - 75 120 -135 170 - 180 230 -240 290 - 300 350 - 365
 Front brake play I & A I & A I & A I & A I & A I & A I & A
 Rear brake play I & A I & A I & A I & A I & A I & A I & A
 Tyre pressure I & S I & S I & S I & S I & S I & S I & S
 Tyre wear / damage | | | | | | |
 Electrical couplers (loose connection) | | | | | | |
 Battery charger | | | | | | |
 Batteries | | | | | | |
 All bulbs and horn | | | | | | |
 Front shock absorbers | | | | | | |
 Steering play I & A I & A I & A I & A I & A I & A I & A
 Wheel alignment* | | | | | | |
 Wheel runout / tureness* | | | | | | |
 Motor assembly bearings* | | | | | | |
 Head lamp beam* I & A I & A I & A I & A I & A I & A I & A
 All fasteners* I & T I & A I & A I & A I & A I & A I & A
I - Inspect; A - Adjust; T - Tighten; S - Set ' From the date of sale * If necessary The above maintenance schedule is given for the warranty period. In the post warranty period it is recommended that maintenance services are done in similar intervals for good performance of your vehicle

Proper and regular maintenance is mandatory for getting optimum performance out of your vehicle. By following recommended maintenance schedule and following some basic but important tips, no only your vehicle largely remains trouble free, it will also be very safe. If maintenance schedule is not followed properly, it will also result inrapid wear and tear of your vehicle.
WARNING: Warranty for your vehicle/ critical components stands cancelled if service scheduled is not rigorously followed.

MAINTENANCE TIPS

Battery
1. These batteries are specially designed and made for your electric vehicle use only. Do not use them with any other vehicle or appliances. Batteries may cause blast, fire resulting in severe injury and damage to the property if exposed to any other use.
2. Do not tamper Battery assembly. to the property if exposed to any other use.
3. Never short circuit Battery terminals.
4. Do not expose Battery to excessive heat and open flame.
5. Do not expose Battery to direct sunlight for longer time.
6. Use only Palatino supplied or recommended Charger to charge the Battery.
7. Do not expose Battery to water and moisture. Batter Terminals may result in short circuit and may have heating issues Battery Charger
1. Do not tamper /modify the Charger.
2. Do not expose Charger to water and moisture.
3. Do not subject Charger to any physical shock.
4. Do not cover the charger or keep any materials above the charger while charging as it may lead to overheating of the charger.
5. Do not short circuit the charger terminals in any manner as it may lead to overheat or fire.
6. Charger should be placed firmly on flat surface. Do not use the charger upside-down.
7. Do not stretch the charger cord as it may result in mall functioning.
8. Keep the charger out of reach of children
9. Do not apply pressure on the cord or the plug. Placing the cord between a wall and a window frame, or placing heavy object on the cord or the plug may result in an electric shock or fire.
10. Insert the charger plug fully into the wall socket. Otherwise it could over heat, cause an electric shock.
11. Do not handle the plug with wet hands as it may cause shock.
12. Always pull the charge plug and charger pin gently.
13. Do not use damaged parts (chargers, plugs etc.,) as it may cause shock or short circuit.
14. You can use an extension cord (ISI marked) to charge the battery if you are staying in an apartment.
15. Do not touch the charger with your skin for longer period while charging. It may result in burning of skin due to heat.

BRAKES

Brakes - Front and Rear Brakes should always be maintained in proper condition. It is strongly recommended that both brake levers should be used simultaneously while braking.
CAUTION : Check front and rear brake play periodically. However the brake play needs to be adjusted more frequently depending upon the usage.

TYRES

Tyre pressure

Check tyre pressure at least once in a week if not more frequently. Insufficient air pressure in the tyres not only hastens tyre wear, but also seriously affects the stability of the vehicle. Under inflated tyres make smooth cornering difficult and over inflated tyres decrease the tyre contact with the ground which can lead to skidding and loss of control. Be sure that the tyre pressure is within the specified limits at all times. (30 to 35 Psi )

Tyre Tread Condition

Operating the vehicle with excessively worn out tyres will decrease riding stability and can lead to loss of control. It is recommended to replace the tyre when the tyre wears off to the tyre wear indicator level (indicated by TWI on the tyre).
WARNING ! : The tyre inflation pressure and the tyre condition are extremely important for the performance and safety of the rider. Check your tyres frequently for inflation pressure as well as the wear pattern on it.

STORAGE

For storage of Palatino vehicle for longer periods, say over a month and above, we recommend carrying out the following steps:
1.Clean the vehicle thoroughly. Park the vehicle on centre stand.
2.Fully charge the batteries.
3.Disconnect the battery terminals.
4.Place a suitable wooden block at the bottom of the frame so that both the tyres are off the ground. This will ensure better tyre life. Cover up the vehicle completely with a clean tarpaulin or any other suitable cover. Store the vehicle inside a garage or similar area to avoid damage due to dust and rain. Make sure that the storage area is well ventilated and free from any source of flame of spark.