Hello , Welcome to the November issue of Fleettorque, brought to you by Fleetcare!

We all know that kids need to be properly strapped into their safety seats every time they travel in the car, but it's easy to become blaze about it.

The fact is that using a child restraint really improves little ones' chances of survival in a crash, so it is worth taking the time to make sure that your child is well protected.

First, only shop for a child restraint that meets the Australian/New Zealand Standard, which is one of the toughest standards in the world.

Babies under 12 months of age, travelling in a motor vehicle manufactured on or after 1 July 1976 must use an approved child restraint that is properly fastened and adjusted. This applies to all cars, station wagons, four-wheel drive vehicles and mini buses, although taxis are exempt.

Children between 12 months and 16 years of age must use an approved restraint suitable for their weight and size, properly adjusted and fastened. Only move your child into a forward-facing restraint when he or she no longer fits into a rearward-facing restraint and start using a booster seat only when he or she has grown out of that. Don't be tempted to move earlier - your child won't be properly protected.

Ensure that the restraint is installed correctly and see a restraint fitter if you're in any doubt. An ill-fitting seat can be as dangerous as no seat at all.

Make sure you use the top tether strap where required and teach your child to always keep both arms within the harness system of the seat or the seat belt of the booster seat. When using a seat belt with a booster, ensure the seat belt is correctly fitted over the child's shoulder.

Remember, it's the driver's responsibility to ensure that passengers under 16 are wearing seat belts, or have been strapped correctly into a restraint. So make sure they're properly buckled up.

From the Early Falcon Car Club to the Jaguar Drivers' Club there's a car club to suit every driver, but what are the benefits of joining?

Well, while some are designed solely for the owners of one particular model and others cover a whole manufacturer's output, all are gold mines of information, experience and expertise.

So, if you want to find out how to get the best out of your classic car, or how to keep your top-of-the-range in good nick, the chances are someone at the local car club will be able to help. Many also offer courses in good driving technique and almost all present the chance to show off your pride and joy at regular show-n-shine events. To find out if there's a club for you and your car, check out www.carsofaustralia.com.au.

If you belong to a car club, why not write in and tell Fleettorque what makes it worth the membership? We'd love to hear from you.

The best Tuesday of the year is nearly here.

Yes, at 3pm AEST on 4 November the nation will grind to a halt and all eyes will be watching the runners and riders in one of the world's most famous horse races, the Melbourne Cup.

When Archer, a horse from Nowra, New South Wales, beat the local favourite, Mormon, in the first ever Melbourne Cup in 1861, the prize was a gold watch and £170, but things have changed a bit since then.

This year's Melbourne Cup winner will canter off with $5.5m, plus about $100,000 worth of silverware. Many will say this prize is well deserved - the Melbourne Cup is considered to be one of the most challenging races in the world, as it's run over 3,200 metres and is handicapped, so the better the horse is, the more weight it has to carry.

The greatest weight carried to victory in a Melbourne Cup was by Carbine, who carried 66kg in the 1890 race. The famous Phar Lap carried more, but not to victory - in his last Melbourne Cup campaign in 1931, he carried a 68kg handicap and came second to White Nose.

But the Melbourne Cup is less about what the horses are wearing than the spectators. The race has long been known as an urban fashion parade and in fact, it was first founded specifically as a cultural event at which all sections of society could mingle.

It's certainly a good excuse for co-workers, friends and family to get together, watch the race and have a little flutter.

Good luck!

You won't be able to buy one here until April next year, but Nissan Australia has revealed the spec for its flagship new GT-R supercar, which makes its return after 16 years out of the marketplace.

Just 11 Nissan High Performance Centres across the nation will sell the new GT-R, which will be equipped as standard with heated, electrically adjustable front seats, leather steering wheel, keyless entry, electronically adjustable suspension, 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in (nitrogen-filled) Dunlop SP Sport rubber, and six airbags. And that's just on the entry-level GT-R.

Anyone buying the Premium version will also get Bridgestone Potenza run-flat tyres and an 11-speaker Bose audio with 30GB hard drive as well as black leather front sports seats.

Prices have been set at $148,800 for the entry-level GT-R and $152,800 for the Premium. Nissan promises 16 new models for Australia over the next four years, including the next-generation Z, an icon of Nissan's past, which will be revived here late in 2009.

Going on a family holiday, fishing or caravanning? Did you know a heavy load can also put strain on your tyres?

If your vehicle is fully loaded with passengers and luggage - or you’re towing a caravan or boat - inflate your tyres with a little extra air to ensure a stress-free trip for both you, and your tyres!

*The general rule is to add 28kpa (4PSI) when your vehicle is under load – but always check your tyre placard or with a professional.

This tyre tip was proudly provided by Bridgestone.