Autumn driving tips: How to prepare your car for autumn

How to prepare your car for the changing road conditions this autumn

The mornings have that autumnal chill to them and we’re getting our fleeces out of the attic – summer has officially come to an end.

We’re sad to see the back of the warmer months, but equally excited for everything that the arrival of autumn heralds. Long crisp walks, plenty of hot chocolates (with cream and marshmallows), and snuggling up on the sofa to binge-watch our favourite shows.

But autumn also brings the need to change our driving habits.

Every season brings with it its challenges, and autumn is no different. It’s not just the colder temperatures that we have to adjust to, but also the ever-changing and somewhat unpredictable road conditions.

1. Prepare for the fog

One of autumn’s biggest challenges is the hazy, low-standing fog that can build up before your early morning commute.

Sure, it adds a little spooky atmosphere to what can otherwise be quite a dull drive, and make you feel like you’re starring in Kate Bush’s Wuthering Heights music video, but it does bring some perils.

Not only can the fog hamper your visibility, but it can also lead to roads becoming wet and slippery.

Well ahead of your next journey, check the condition of all your vehicle’s bulbs. 

It’s easy, when you don’t have to use them so much during the longer, warmer days, to forget that they even exist – so be sure to give all your lights a once over, to check they’re still in working condition.

2. Keep your windscreen clean

On the surface, your car might not look that dirty. But there can be an underlying build-up of dirt and grit that occurs over time, both inside and out.

It’s just as important to make sure the inside of your windscreen is as sparklingly clean as the outside.

Condensation on the screen interior – which can worsen as a side effect of the dirt build-up – can be a common issue for drivers at this time of year. 

For best results, use a specific car window cleaner. But a spritz of bog-standard window cleaner and some elbow grease will do a pretty good job if you’re on a budget.

3. Keep a pair of sunglasses close

Like the Scouts have always said – be prepared.

And you’d be surprised how many situations you need to be prepared for in autumn. It’s a tricky, fickle little season. One minute it’s bright sunshine and you feel like summer is close to returning, and the next you feel like the rain might never stop.

Though your sun visor does a pretty good job at defending your eyes from the sun, especially at that annoying driving home time when the sun is low enough to be a hindrance to all and sundry, it’s a good idea to have a pair of sunglasses to hand.

Pick your pair wisely.

They need to be effective at deflecting glare, have suitable coloured lenses, and be comfortable for you to wear.

Have a novelty (but effective) pair in your locker? We rate it. And can’t wait to nod our appreciation to you at the traffic lights.

4. Check your wipers

Though there’s been plenty of rain throughout the summer, it’s still been hotter and drier than the rest of the year, and your windscreen wipers are coming off the back of a bit of a break.

No longer! They’re really starting to earn their keep again.

A pair of fully functional windscreen wipers can be something we take for granted. But if you find yourself without them in treacherous conditions, then it can turn your journey into something out of a horror movie.

For ultimate peace of mind, give them a good check to make sure they’re not about to fail on you as you drive down the M5 in the rain.

5. Check your tyres

It’s important to check the condition of your tyres as we approach the wetter months.

The legal minimum requirement is a tread depth of 1.6mm, but it’s recommended that you stick to a tread depth of at least 3mm in the autumn and winter months.

It’ll provide you with more grip, and help with braking safely.

6. Drive at an appropriate speed

Sure, this is a given at any point of the year.

But as we hit autumn, it’s crucial that you remain at an appropriate speed for the road and conditions.

Throughout these months, you have to contend with ever-changing road conditions, and face the risk of reduced visibility hindering your reaction times.

Keeping to a good speed, and maintaining an appropriate distance between yourself and the car in front, will give you the time and space to react.

Wet road surfaces, whether it’s from fallen leaves or rain, increases the risk of skidding.

If your car does start to slide, avoid braking. It sounds counterintuitive and might feel unnatural, but easing off the power and steering towards the direction of the skid will actually give you the greatest chance of regaining control.

7. Check your fluids

As the temperatures change, it’s important to make sure you check your fluid levels.

From your engine coolant to your washer fluid, take the time to give it all a good check, and fill up where necessary.

Your engine coolant helps to control the temperature of your engine in all conditions, meaning it will play a crucial role over the coming months. The last thing you need when driving in unpredictable conditions is to be caught out with a low supply of your vital fluids.