This time of year usually brings plenty of things to look forward to such as Halloween and bonfire nights, but these events will have to be replaced in favour of a cosy night in as we head into a second lockdown come November 5th. However, autumn can bring many obstacles to us road users. So, for those of us that can't work from home and will have to face the daily commute, our top tips will ensure your autumnal driving is perfect.
Regularly check on your fluids
Checking your fluids are topped up is imperative, especially with the temperatures dropping gradually over these next few months. Fluids like antifreeze are important, as you don’t want to get caught out on an icy cold morning. Washer fluid is important too, as the combination of rain and falling leaves in autumn can leave streaks over your windscreen!
Checking your fluids are topped up is imperative, especially with the temperatures dropping gradually over these next few months. Fluids like antifreeze are important, as you don’t want to get caught out on an icy cold morning. Washer fluid is important too, as the combination of rain and falling leaves in autumn can leave streaks over your windscreen!
Inspect your battery
On average, our car batteries can last up to 4 years, therefore if you think it’s coming to that life stage of your battery it’s best to change it as soon as possible before the worst of the weather hits the UK (as you know it comes quickly here).
It’s also worth considering having it looked at just to be on the safe side, regardless of whether you think you’re not ready to install a new one yet.
On average, our car batteries can last up to 4 years, therefore if you think it’s coming to that life stage of your battery it’s best to change it as soon as possible before the worst of the weather hits the UK (as you know it comes quickly here).
It’s also worth considering having it looked at just to be on the safe side, regardless of whether you think you’re not ready to install a new one yet.
Prepare for driving in the dark
We’re sorry to say, but unfortunately, the dark nights have started to come about and with this means having the confidence to drive in the dark. We suggest taking shorter journeys, to begin with, and to take things slower than usual until you feel positive you can drive in the dark.
Test your lights out
Checking your lights should be done every few weeks regardless of the time of year, but you should make a conscious effort to check them especially during the autumn and winter months.
To check your lights simply turn on all your different types of lights, such as your hazards and fog lights, and walk around the car to see if they are working accordingly.
We’re sorry to say, but unfortunately, the dark nights have started to come about and with this means having the confidence to drive in the dark. We suggest taking shorter journeys, to begin with, and to take things slower than usual until you feel positive you can drive in the dark.
Test your lights out
Checking your lights should be done every few weeks regardless of the time of year, but you should make a conscious effort to check them especially during the autumn and winter months.
To check your lights simply turn on all your different types of lights, such as your hazards and fog lights, and walk around the car to see if they are working accordingly.
Get breakdown cover
With autumn comes short days, cold weather and more wind and rain, therefore breaking down in these conditions is just simply nothing anyone would want. We advise you to arrange the right breakdown cover for you.
One of the best affordable breakdown cover providers in the UK is Rescuemycar.com, as they offer competitive rates and an excellent service. They do offer different types of cover such as roadside, national and home recovery – so they cater to whatever suits you.
With autumn comes short days, cold weather and more wind and rain, therefore breaking down in these conditions is just simply nothing anyone would want. We advise you to arrange the right breakdown cover for you.
One of the best affordable breakdown cover providers in the UK is Rescuemycar.com, as they offer competitive rates and an excellent service. They do offer different types of cover such as roadside, national and home recovery – so they cater to whatever suits you.
Be ready for whatever the weather
In these months, you’ll definitely notice the immediate drop in temperature – not only does this affect yourselves but it can affect your driving as well, with the adverse weather conditions you could face rain, fog, wind, ice or possibly snow.
These conditions affect the road surfaces, especially rain and ice, therefore you need to consider your distance between you and the car in front. With fog, this can impair your road visibility so make use of your fog lights when necessary and drive with great caution – we also recommend leaving more time for your journeys.
Thirdly, we’d also say to listen to your local weather forecast before your commute, then you know exactly what you’re in for!
In these months, you’ll definitely notice the immediate drop in temperature – not only does this affect yourselves but it can affect your driving as well, with the adverse weather conditions you could face rain, fog, wind, ice or possibly snow.
These conditions affect the road surfaces, especially rain and ice, therefore you need to consider your distance between you and the car in front. With fog, this can impair your road visibility so make use of your fog lights when necessary and drive with great caution – we also recommend leaving more time for your journeys.
Thirdly, we’d also say to listen to your local weather forecast before your commute, then you know exactly what you’re in for!
Look out for those slippery leaves
We’ve stressed the importance of knowing how the weather can impact your driving, but did you ever think leaves would as well? As you know autumn brings us golden leaves, but once they start falling on the road, this is a liability. Therefore, we recommend you take extra care if your journey consists of rural roads.
Furthermore, when leaves cover our roads this can reduce the sight of potholes or dips, for that reason you need to make sure you’re travelling carefully to expect the unexpected.
We’ve stressed the importance of knowing how the weather can impact your driving, but did you ever think leaves would as well? As you know autumn brings us golden leaves, but once they start falling on the road, this is a liability. Therefore, we recommend you take extra care if your journey consists of rural roads.
Furthermore, when leaves cover our roads this can reduce the sight of potholes or dips, for that reason you need to make sure you’re travelling carefully to expect the unexpected.
Prepare for the low sunshine
The sun is slowly becoming lower in the sky which can be dangerous for us motorists, as it can increase glare.
So, we advise you to keep a trusty pair of sunglasses in your glove compartment or somewhere safe and make full use of your sun visor. You also want to make sure you keep your windscreen as clear as possible, so maybe consider new windscreen wipers or topping up your washer fluid if necessary.
The sun is slowly becoming lower in the sky which can be dangerous for us motorists, as it can increase glare.
So, we advise you to keep a trusty pair of sunglasses in your glove compartment or somewhere safe and make full use of your sun visor. You also want to make sure you keep your windscreen as clear as possible, so maybe consider new windscreen wipers or topping up your washer fluid if necessary.
Stay focused
With schools remaining open, school children heading to or from school can be a major distraction for motorists. We all know the unpredictable nature of children, so we suggest you take great care and reduce your speed around built-up areas or near schools where children might be walking.
To conclude, we hope you now know how to avoid an autumn breakdown, as no one wants this to happen to them, especially in the cold and brisk autumn months.
Other CarCliq articles that might interest you:
