Using this bike rack is easy. First, attach the rack to your vehicle's 2 - inch receiver hitch. Then, carefully lift your bikes one by one and mount them on the top tube holders. Make sure each bike is secure before hitting the road. When you need to access the rear of your vehicle, simply swing the rack out of the way. As for maintenance, regularly check the hitch connection for tightness and the bike mounts for any signs of wear. Keep the rack clean and dry to prevent rust. Also, be aware of the 37.5 - pound weight limit per bike to avoid overloading the rack.