Proper maintenance is incredibly important for the longevity of your bike! Make sure to keep all nuts, bolts, and bearings greased, and periodically check and tighten all nuts and bolts properly. Your bike is a machine. It needs to be looked after with tender loving care. Like a car, it will need tune-ups from time to time. If you notice an unusual sound or a loose part, STOP RIDING! Tighten or fix the part immediately or your neglect could ruin it. If you are unsure how to fix an issue with your bike, or if you would like to have it looked over by a professional, take it to your local bike shop and have them check it out. They will be happy to get your bike running in tip-top shape.