Council is teaming up with Toyota Ashburton and Zonta to run a free session for women to learn more about car maintenance, including how to fit new wipers and check the oil in their car.

The free session, called Girls Can Do Maintenance, will be at Ashburton Toyota on Monday 19 May, from 5-7pm.

Group Manager of Infrastructure and Open Spaces Neil McCann said Ashburton Toyota was supplying cars and trained technicians, and Zonta was supplying a bite to eat at the end of the night.

“It’s a free event and there'll be places for 40 women, who will also go home with a gift bag from our road safety team.”

The event will be in Toyota’s workshop, with different work stations set up for hands on learning.

Mr McCann said similar courses in Timaru had been hugely popular.

“We’re expecting lots of interest and the aim is to share tips on basic car maintenance, like checking your oil, water and tyre pressure. The women will get a good idea of how the engine works, its different parts and the common things that could go wrong.

“If you’re thinking about buying a car, we’ll also have some valuable insights about what to look for and about how the vehicle star safety rating works.”

There will also be a chance to ask about some of the new vehicle safety technology that modern cars are equipped with.

Mr McCann said it would be a friendly, supportive environment, where women of all ages could build independence and understand more about how their vehicles worked.

Those wanting to attend the event must be 18 years or older. They can register for the event here