Autumn weather brings cooler temperatures and new challenges for your vehicle and driving habits. Here are our essential tips for safe driving in autumn.
Prepare to be Dazzled
As the days get shorter, the sun sits lower during daytime driving hours, leading to glare on your windscreen that can easily dazzle your vision. Remember to use your sun visor and keep sunglasses handy. It’s also important to ensure your windscreen is clean, both inside and out.
Check Your Essentials
With falling temperatures, your car battery will be working harder. If it shows signs of struggle in the autumn, it’s likely to fail in the winter when temperatures drop below zero. Car batteries typically last 3-5 years, so now is a great time to get yours checked.
Road conditions can become slippery in wet and cold weather. Make sure to check your tyres for correct pressure and tread depth (minimum 1.6mm) to ensure maximum grip on the road. Also, give all your lights a thorough inspection; they will be your guiding light in the dark.
Windscreen Maintenance
Visibility is crucial in all driving conditions, especially when light is scarce and autumn rain brings debris onto your windscreen. Top up your windscreen wash and check your wipers to ensure they are functioning properly, as they will be working harder than usual.
Dark Country Lanes
Country lanes are often poorly lit and in need of maintenance. They can be hazardous due to road debris from autumn winds, with wet leaves and tree branches likely to create additional obstacles. Exercise extra caution on dark and slippery lanes, adjusting your speed to suit the conditions and staying alert for hidden potholes. Wildlife can also be harder to spot in the dark, so be mindful that road users come in all shapes and sizes.