Opotiki residents will soon have the chance to give their vehicles a free check, to ensure they are safe for winter driving.

A Winter Pit Stop will be up and running this Wednesday July 24 from 10am to 12pm in the New World Opotiki Car Park.

A vehicle certification officer from the NZTA, along with automotive students from Toi Ohomai will be running free vehicle ‘TWIRL' checks for the public.

The TWIRL check includes: Tyres, windscreen, wipers and mirrors, indicators, rust and lights.

Whakatane District Council community development advisor Lorreen Hartley encourages drivers to come along and learn how easy it is to give their vehicles a quick check themselves.

'The Eastern Bay of Plenty Road Safety program is pleased to partner with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and New Zealand Transport Authority on this Winter Pit Stop event,

'There are plenty of spot prizes to giveaway too.”

Drivers who participate in the checks will be rewarded with more than the knowledge around the safety of their vehicle.

While they wait, drivers can enjoy free coffee or hot drink. All participants will also receive a road safety pack including a hand sanitiser, pack of tissues, car cleaning cloth, key ring and a TWIRL chocolate bar.

There will also be fuel vouchers and emergency breakdown kits for some lucky drivers.