Autumn Driving Tips: Prepare yourself and your car for the new season
As autumn rolls in, bringing with it cooler temperatures and changing road conditions, it creates unique challenges for you and your car.
This guide will offer tips to ensure your vehicle is autumn-ready, helping you navigate the season with safety and confidence😀
1) Don’t Forget Your Sunglasses
As the leaves change colour and begin to fall, autumn creates a beautiful, picturesque landscape. However, the shifting season also affects sunlight patterns.
During these months, the sun sits lower in the sky. This means it can often cast a strong glare on the windscreen, making visibility challenging.
To ensure safe driving, always have a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle. That way, you can quickly shield your eyes and improve visibility when the sun becomes overwhelming.
2) Drive With Your Headlights On
This may sound unnecessary, but driving with your headlights on in the daytime can boost your visibility.
When drivers are travelling directly into sunlight, it can be hard to spot oncoming traffic.
To make your presence known and ensure your vehicle is noticeable, it's a good idea to keep your headlights on, even during daylight hours.
3) Keep Your Screen Wash Topped Up
Autumn's frequent wet conditions can cause mud and debris to splatter onto your windscreen.
Not only can this temporarily obscure your view, but if it isn’t cleaned off quickly, the sun can seal in the grime. This makes it much harder to clean off.
Regularly checking and topping up your screen wash is essential during the autumn months. It lets you clean the windscreen quickly before the dirt has a chance to settle.
Keeping an extra bottle of screen wash in your car also guarantees you're prepared, and you won’t be stuck with a filthy windscreen.
4) Be Prepared for Condensation
The wet and damp conditions of autumn can sneak into your car. As you get out of the cold and rain, it’s natural to crank up the heat.
However, as you warm up the damp rises, causing your windows to steam up.
To combat condensation, keep silica pouches on your dashboard. They help to absorb excess moisture and prevent condensation from forming.
Having microfibre cloths on hand also ensures you can quickly wipe away any developing condensation.
5) Spare Light Bulbs
As the days shorten in autumn, you’ll need to start using your headlights once more. After not needing them in summer, you may find one isn’t working correctly.
Driving with one non-functional headlight is not just dangerous, but it can also attract unwanted attention from the police, resulting in fines or penalty points.
To avoid getting in trouble with the law, always keep a set of spare light bulbs in your car.
6) New Wiper Blades
Worn or damaged wiper blades can leave streaks and hinder visibility in bad weather conditions.
Over time wiper blades deteriorate, this is due to exposure to sun, heat, and moisture, making them less effective.
Replace your wiper blades every couple of years, even if they look okay, as they might not be up to scratch.
Read more advice on seasonal driving:
- Winter Driving Tips: Snow Conditions
- Tips for Driving in Heavy Rain
- Spring is Here: Spring Car Maintenance Tips
FAQs About Driving in Autumn:
How can I handle wet and slippery roads in Autumn?
During autumn, roads can become slippery due to rain and fallen leaves. It's crucial to reduce your speed, increase following distances, and avoid hard braking to maintain control of your vehicle.
What can I do to prevent sun glare during my commute?
To combat sun glare, always keep a pair of sunglasses in your car and use your sun visor. Ensuring your windscreen is clean, both inside and out, can also reduce the effects of glare.
What precautions should I take in foggy weather?
In foggy conditions, slow down and use your low beam headlights or fog lights. Increase the distance between you and the car in front and avoid overtaking unless absolutely necessary.
Is tyre pressure affected by cooler autumn weather?
Yes, cooler temperatures can cause tyres to lose pressure. It's a good idea to regularly check and adjust your tyre pressure during autumn to ensure optimum performance and safety.
