We continue the Insurance Bureau of Canada's Spring tips series with a review of their recommended car maintenance:

Warmer weather means more cyclists, joggers and kids playing outside, increasing the need for focus. Ensure your vehicle is maintained so you can keep your attention where it belongs – on the drive.

Tips to maintain your car and drive safely:

• Schedule a vehicle maintenance check to ensure tires, wipers, and brakes are functioning properly
• Check tire pressures each month and don't forget the spare
• Top up on windshield wiper fluid and ensure the fluid nozzles and the wiper blades are in good working order
• If safe to do so, do your best to avoid potholes – they can damage tires and wheels and can potentially cause you to lost control
• If you do need to pull over, be careful on gravel shoulders, as they can be softer than usual after the thaw
• Have an emergency kit in the car at all times as spring storms can strike at any moment
• Pull over to use phone and other electronics
• If something falls while you're driving, leave it until you are parked
• Make sure pets are safely secured
• Set your GPS prior to departure
• Don't eat while driving if it means you need to take hands off the wheel
• If a situation can't wait, pull over safely to deal with it