- Get your kids working again by helping to clean out the car. Don't forget to have them check under seats for rubbish and, while they're at it, vacuum the floor and seats.
- Any vinyl surface, including the dashboard, seats and steering wheel, are susceptible to cracking, sun damage and fading - be sure to apply a protectant at the beginning of the spring and touch up regularly.
- Check all fluids to make sure they're topped up, because during the winter months fluids are easily depleted as your engine works harder in the colder weather. Check fluids regularly.
- Washing your car regularly prolongs its life and performance. Some new cars need extra care when it comes to their surface, so if you are unsure of how to maintain it, ring your local dealership for tips.
- Remove ski racks from the roof and empty the boot of winter gear, like gumboots, to reduce petrol costs (see "Fuel for thought", right). Added weight and drag means an 11.11 per cent increase in petrol consumption, says the Automobile Association.
- It's important to remember that UV rays hit your hands as you hold the steering wheel and they can get sunburned. So when you apply sunblock to your face before you head outside, don't forget sunblock for your hands, too.
- Spring also means there will be more cars, cyclists and motorcyclists on the road, so keep alert when you're driving. There will also be increased activity close to the road when the October school holidays start next Friday, so that means more kids playing outside, plus an increase in rollerbladers, skateboarders and scooters on footpaths.
- Before you head away, make sure all your gear is secure - and not just your luggage in the boot. Stopping suddenly can send objects like CDs, bottles and cans flying inside and outside of the car.
- If you are heading away these holidays, visit a mechanic so they can check your car is safe. Ask them to check your oil and brake fluid and that the air-conditioning solvents are in good working order, because after hibernating all winter, you'll be using your air-con system again.
Fuel for thought:
With petrol prices fluctuating, it will help your wallet if you follow some advice from the Automobile Association on how to reduce your gas bills.
Don't speed: Driving faster doesn't necessarily mean you'll get there faster, plus by travelling at 100km/h instead of 110km/h, you can cut around 13 per cent off your fuel bill. Drive smoothly: Lay off the pedals when driving around town. Accelerate smoothly and slowly away from green lights and stop gradually for red lights. Change gear early (but don't labour the engine). If you drive an automatic, allow the transmission to change up early by accelerating on a light throttle. Don't accelerate hard from rest, but let the car move off gently.
Look ahead: Check what's happening, maintain a safe following distance and you'll keep at a more constant speed. Look ahead and ease off the pedal if the traffic lights are about to change, if the speed limit is about to lower, or you're approaching slow or stopped traffic. It's better economically to slow down early rather than brake late.
Corner smoothly: Don't brake hard for corners and accelerate out. Slow gently, negotiate and exit the corner on a light throttle.
Make hills work for you: Lift off the throttle as you crest the hill and use the car's momentum to get you over the top. Build up speed before an uphill stretch.
Watch your air con: Using air conditioning is more fuel-efficient than having your windows down, which creates drag. However, use air conditioning judiciously, because it will consume up to 8 per cent more fuel. Other features such as the rear window demist can also be a drain, so make sure you switch them off when they've done their job.
Keep your load down: A heavier vehicle means the engine has to work harder, so take those golf clubs out of the boot or remove the bike rack or roof rack when you're not using them.
Reduce idling time: Don't park for long periods with your engine idling and avoid peak-hour traffic when you can. If you're stationary for more than 30 seconds, turn your engine off.
Avoid short trips: Walk to the dairy. About a third of New Zealand car trips are less than 2km in length and vehicles use more fuel when they're cold. Cut down on unnecessary driving and reduce your fuel bills and mechanical wear on your engine - and contribute to better air quality.
