Your own wheels

Riding your bike

Servicing and repairing a bike is inexpensive compared to a car but you need to make sure you follow the road rules, ride safely and most importantly, wear a helmet! (it’s the law in Australia).

Maintenance

Do a weekly or monthly check on the major items on your bike such as:

*checking your tyre pressure and making sure the tyres are pumped up with no punctures
* making sure the wheel frames are still in good condition with no dents or other damage
* replacing the broken spokes and tightening loose ones
* check brake pads for wear and make sure they contact squarely with the rim, not the tyre
* replace worn or frayed brake cables
* making sure the chain and gears are oiled regularly

Check out  www.childsafetyaustralia.com.au/children/bicycles/bicycle_safetycheck.htm for more info on maintaining your bike.

Purchasing a car

Buying your own car is a huge decision and no matter how much money you have saved now, the decision should not be taken lightly.

When you buy a car it doesn’t just look after itself after you pay for it. There are heaps of ongoing costs including buying petrol each week, getting car insurance to cover yourself in case of accidents, paying fees to register your car each year and not to mention general maintenance like making sure your car has oil and safe tyres.