How to make sure your bike is ready to ride to mark World Car Free Day

GOT a bike gathering dust in the shed? Today is World Car Free Day, so it is the perfect reason to get back in the saddle. Five ways to give your bike wheels a proper once-over and save this World Car Free Day Credit: Getty But before you ride, here is how to give your wheels a proper once-over. BUST THE RUST: Cycling on the road can eat through paint, leaving your frame and wheel rims prone to rust, especially in winter. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! Give them a quick wipe down with a damp cloth and diluted washing up liquid, then dry properly with an old towel. Do this regularly, especially after wet and muddy rides, to ensure all that dirt, grit and grime is gone. READ MORE MONEY SAVING TIPS PUMP IT UP: Under-inflated tyres make cycling harder and can wear them out faster. You can buy a basic floor bike pump at Decathlon for £9.99, so you can inflate your tyres at home without the repeat cost of visiting the garage. Cycling UK recommends checking your tyres every few days, or at least weekly, so they last longer. TREAD CAREFULLY: If you suspect a puncture, follow the free How to Fix A Bike Puncture tutorial at Halfords.com, to help you identify the source. Most read in Money You can also pick up cheap self seal bike patches for £3 a pack in store, compatible with road, mountain and hybrid bikes. It is also worth tightening up any loose bolts, to avoid any future problems. SAFETY GUARD: Take advantage of Halfords’ Free 25 Point Bike Health Check. It costs nothing, you just pop into your local store to book in and a trained technician will inspect your bike. It takes around 30 minutes and covers all the key areas. Plus, you will get a report on anything that needs attention, so you can decide whether to fix it yourself or pay for a repair. TAKE COVER: Keep your bike protected to avoid costly future repairs. The Beeway cover is currently reduced from £11 to £8.99 at Amazon.co.uk. The waterproof safety straps ensure it stays in place and it even has a lock hole, so you can slip your bike lock through the wheel while it is on. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. Deal of the day Save £22 on a Puma long-sleeved fleece-lined tracksuit Credit: Sports Direct STAY comfortable and warm in a Puma long-sleeved fleece-lined tracksuit. It has an RRP of £45, but is £23 at Sportsdirect.com. SAVE: £22 Cheap treat Save 50p on sweet Choceur strawberry Freeze Me Bites at Aldi Credit: Aldi SNACK on sweet Choceur strawberry Freeze Me Bites straight from the freezer. A pack is usually £1.99, but is now £1.49 at Aldi. SAVE: 50p What's new? SELECTED Oral-B iO2 electric toothbrushes are less than half price at Superdrug.com for the retailer’s Health & Beautycard members. Usually £99.99, they are now £44.99 until October 6. Top swap Try the Christmas cookies jar candle, £9, Dunelm Credit: Dunelm Or get the milk and cookies one, for £6.99 at Home Bargains Credit: Home Bargains ALREADY looking forward to the festive period? Try the Christmas cookies jar candle, £9, Dunelm, or get the milk and cookies one, for £6.99 at Home Bargains. SAVE: £2.01 Little helper NEED to send a speedy pressie? Bag a bargain in the Moonpig.com sale, with savings on hundreds of gifts, including Hotel Chocolat, Lindt, Cath Kidston and more. Shop & save Save £5 on the 1.5litre Morphy Richards 460300 slow cooker at Currys BATCH-cook using the 1.5litre Morphy Richards 460300 slow cooker. The pot is dishwasher safe. Was £24.99, now £19.99 at Currys. SAVE: £5 Hot right now MAKE a dash for Lidl for the Crivit fitness range landing in stores this week, including ­lightweight trainers for just £12.99. PLAY NOW TO WIN £100 Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning! Comment now