Don't stop once you get started again

Check the basics

Have mice nested in your Refer motor or wheel hubs?

Seriously now, you don’t want the hydraulics to fail as the pressure comes up, so a quick once-over should include:

• Under the bonnet for oil and fluid levels etc
• Visual check of your wheel nut indicators and look for flat tyres
• Check all your visual safety equipment is working and clear of spider webs - lights, brakes, windscreen and mirrors
• Complete a connection and lubrication check
• Walk around the vehicle looking for body damage and removing any debris that may have blown in or lodged itself while the vehicle has been stationary

Start your engine

If the vehicle ignitions on – yay! If not, you will have to call in some help to either change the battery or charge it up and get it tested. Allow the vehicle to run up to the recommended operating temperature while you:

• Check steering and suspension give the horn a blast
• Check tyre pressure, lifting equipment and legal signage
• Torque up wheel nuts to the recommended setting with a certified torque wrench
• Check vehicle Registration, COF and RUC

On the road again

Be mindful, as you get back behind the wheel other New Zealanders are still enjoying their Summer break. As Steve puts it, “People who don’t regularly drive long distances are all having a crack at it.”

Poor planning and overly optimistic travel times put pressure on people’s schedules. Pressure that results in speeding and risk taking which can lead to accidents.