How to Maintain Your Bike: A Practical Guide to Avoiding Accidents

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure safe riding and prolong the life of your two-wheeler. Whether you're an occasional cyclist or an enthusiast, here are the key steps to follow to keep your bike in top condition and avoid accidents.

1. Regular Brake Check

Importance

Brakes in good condition are crucial to your safety. Faulty brakes can lead to serious accidents.

Actions to be taken

• Inspect the brake pads Check for wear and replace if necessary.
• Check the braking system Make sure the cables are not worn and that the brake fluid (for disc brakes) is topped up.

2. Tyre inspection

Importance

Properly inflated tyres guarantee good grip and a stable ride.

Actions to be taken

• Check Pressure Use a pressure gauge to ensure that the pressure complies with the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Inspect for wear Check tyres for cuts, cracks or signs of excessive wear. Replace if necessary.

3. Regular cleaning

Importance

A clean bike works better and lasts longer.

Actions to be taken

• Cleaning the frame Use soapy water and a sponge to remove dirt.
• Maintaining the Chain Clean the chain regularly with a special cleaner and lubricate it to prevent premature wear.

4. Transmission check

Importance

A transmission in good condition ensures smooth, safe gear changes.

Actions to be taken

• Checking derailleurs Make sure they work properly and are aligned correctly.
• Inspect the chain and chainrings Check the chain and sprockets for wear, and replace if necessary.

5. Checking safety accessories

Importance

Safety accessories, such as lights and reflectors, are essential if you want to be visible on the road.

Actions to be taken

• Controlling Lighting Check that the front and rear lights work and change the batteries if necessary.
• Check the reflectors Make sure the reflectors are clean and securely attached.

6. Wheel inspection

Importance

Wheels in good condition ensure a stable and safe ride.

Actions to be taken

• Check Alignment Make sure the wheels turn straight and are not warped.
• Inspect the spokes Check that the spokes are in good condition and well tensioned.

7. Checking screws and nuts

Importance

A well-assembled bike is less likely to experience mechanical problems along the way.

Actions to be taken

• Check the Screws Inspect the nuts and bolts regularly, especially those on the handlebars and saddle, to make sure they are tight.

8. Preparation before departure

Importance

A quick check before each outing can prevent incidents.

Actions to be taken

• Quick Check-Up Before setting off, do a quick visual inspection: tyres inflated, brakes operational, chain lubricated.