As autumn approaches and the weather turns colder, it’s important to make adjustments to keep your car running smoothly and stay safe on the road.

Whether it’s making sure your vehicle is prepared for the season or taking extra care while driving, following these autumn driving tips can help you stay safe in all conditions.

If you're looking to upgrade your car accessories for the season, check out our range to get ready for autumn.

Check Your Headlights

With shorter days and darker mornings and evenings, you’ll be using your headlights more frequently. Before setting off, start your car and walk around it to ensure all lights are functioning properly. Regularly cleaning the glass on your headlights is also essential to prevent dirt from dimming the light output.

Repair Windscreen Chips

If you’ve been putting off fixing a chip in your windscreen, now is the perfect time to address it. Colder weather can cause chips to expand or crack further, especially when freezing temperatures set in, which could worsen sun glare and compromise visibility. Avoid using warm water to defrost your windscreen, as sudden temperature changes can make cracks spread.

For larger chips or cracks, consult a professional for repair or replacement of the windscreen.

Stock Up on In-Car Essentials

Autumn weather can be unpredictable, so it's smart to keep your car stocked with emergency supplies. Blankets, a warning triangle, and a torch can help if you become stranded. Keeping de-icer and an ice scraper on hand will also help you deal with frosty mornings more quickly.

Keep Your Tyres Inflated

Fallen leaves and wet weather can make roads slippery in autumn. To ensure your tyres maintain proper grip, check their inflation regularly. Properly inflated tyres last longer and reduce the risk of slipping on wet surfaces. You can check your tyre pressure at home with an inflator or at petrol stations.

Ensure your tyre tread depth is at least 1.6mm to meet legal requirements, but for better performance, it's ideal to replace them before they wear down to that point.

Replace Your Wipers

Autumn brings rain, fog, and mud, making functional windscreen wipers essential. As the season changes, inspect your wipers to ensure they’re working well. Typically, wiper blades need replacing once a year. Worn-out wipers can reduce visibility and may even damage your windscreen by smearing debris instead of clearing it.

Check Your Air Conditioning

As temperatures drop, condensation will form more often on your windscreen. The quickest way to clear mist is by adjusting your air conditioning to match the outside temperature, so ensure your system is functioning properly. Issues such as weak airflow, bad odors, or strange noises from the vents indicate it may need attention.

Top Up Your Car Fluids

Your car relies on various fluids to run safely, including engine oil, coolant, and screenwash. While oil and coolant are critical year-round, keeping screenwash topped up is especially useful during long autumn drives in adverse weather. It’s a good idea to check and refill these fluids as the season begins.

Give Your Car a Clean

Autumn brings mud and falling leaves, which can make your car dirty faster. Regular washes not only keep your paintwork looking fresh, but also ensure your windscreen and headlights are clear for maximum visibility.

Staying Safe in Autumn Weather

While autumn’s crisp days can be enjoyable, low sun can reduce visibility, particularly on winding country roads. Slow down, use your sun visor, and stay cautious, especially when visibility is reduced by sun glare.

In poor weather conditions, such as heavy rain or fog, reduce your speed, increase stopping distance, and use your fog lights or headlights as needed.

For more advice on navigating sudden rain showers, refer to our post on driving in the rain.