Oct 10, 2019
The leaves are falling off trees, the days are getting shorter and it’s not much longer until you get that extra hour in bed back! (It’s Sunday 27th October at 02:00; all clocks will go back to 01:00 at that time)
The weather has also taken a 180 turn, as we are now getting more wet conditions, the mornings are becoming frosty and the winds are getting stronger. Because of temperamental weather, it’s important that you also change your driving habits as the change of weather can impact the way you drive.
This blog will go into detail about how to drive safely in these weather conditions to help you avoid any crashes or to keep repair/ replacement costs to a minimum.
Before we begin, you should also look into our blog about ‘Winter Car Repairs to Look Out For’ and ‘Winter Maintenance Checklist’ to ensure your car is ready for the upcoming season!
Here are 10 top tips for you to drive safely in the autumn!
There is nothing more frustrating when you are getting into your car, still half asleep and realise that you have to defog your windscreen.
If the weather is predicted to drop below 0 Celsius, then you should prepare yourself to get up a little earlier so you have time to defrost your windscreen properly without damaging it!
(Read our blog on ‘When Should you Replace your Windscreen’ to find out more)
If you’re not a morning person, then you could cover your car overnight to avoid frost, or if you are able to, park it in your garage.
Due to the wet weather conditions, the roads are going to be more slippery and will, therefore, be more difficult for your tyres to grip the road.
Your tyres should have at least 1.6mm of tread as this is the legal minimum requirement.
This will be especially useful as the frosty morning start to creep in, meaning you are getting a head start on your winter checklist!
(How much does it cost for new tyres? <<Find out here)
Make sure that your headlight bulbs (especially your main beams) and rear lights are clean and clear for others to see.
With the clocks going back in two weeks time, it means that your journeys are going to become a lot darker and you will have to rely on your lights to guide you safely back home, and also to ensure that other drivers know that you are on the road.
REMEMBER WHEN USING MAIN BEAMS:
(Wondering how much it costs to replace a headlight bulb? Read all about it here)
It’s no surprise that you will be using your windscreen wipers more often. Therefore it’s important that you check and make sure that not only are your wipers in good enough condition that you can clearly see through your windscreen when they wipe away any rain or dirt, but also that your motor is running well.
You’ve probably already noticed that some leaves have become so wet that they have flattened into the ground and look like they are apart of the pavement/ road.
If you haven’t, then you need to be more aware as these leaves are super slippery making it even more difficult for your tyres to get a hold of some grip on the road.
If possible, you should try and avoid them WITHOUT putter other drivers at risk, if you cannot avoid them, then you should slow down and drive over them slowly. Pay more attention if you travel on hilly roads.
You might be thinking “sunglasses? In autumn? But sure it’s not even sunny anymore… Why do I need my sunglasses?”
Well yes, you are correct that it’s not technically sunny anymore, but as we have mentioned before, the days are getting shorter, meaning that the sun also lowers. You might have already experienced this blinding sun on your way home from work and sometimes your sun visor can’t block it which makes it even more frustrating.
Having a pair of sunglasses handy in your glovebox will make your journey more enjoyable and ensure that you can clearly see the road.
Antifreeze, also known as coolant is a vital component of your car as it prevents your engine from overheating, the water in your radiator system doesn’t freeze over in the winter.
To check your antifreeze is the correct concentration, you can get a quote from MyCarNeedA.com, and we will find the best deals in your area.
If your battery is on it’s last days, the cold weather can really emphasise this.
To get a head start on your winter checklist and to avoid a hefty bill when Christmas is right around the corner, it’s a good idea to have a look at your battery now so it can last throughout autumn and winter.
(Read more about how much it cost to replace a car battery here)
In wet weather conditions, it is BY LAW according to the Highway Code to at least double your stopping distance compared to when you are driving on dry roads.
This means that you should be about four seconds behind the car in front of you in wet weather conditions.
This allows you to clearly see what is going on in front of you and be able to plan and react in a reasonable amount of time.
TOP TIP:
In snowy/ icy/ foggy conditions the gap between you and the car in front should be about 20 seconds.
When you are driving in wet and windy conditions, the faster you drive results in your having less control over your car: this includes handling and braking.
In order to not be a hazardous driver on the road, it’s even more important that you make sure that you stick to the speed limit. If you feel that you are losing control over the car, then ease up on the accelerator and take your time and be safe.
Not only are the dark mornings make it more difficult to get up in the mornings, but it can also leave us to feel a bit sleepy when we are travelling.
Make sure that you get enough sleep the night before, if you are travelling a long distance with someone else, maybe take it in turns or if you find yourself growing tired you should pull over when it is safe, get out and have a stretch.
Also, the weather conditions mean that we need to pay close attention to the road. Be wary of debris such as knocked down streets or possibly more car accidents.
Here at MyCarNeedA.com, we are here to help you find the best and cheapest deal for your car maintenance needs.
If you have gone through this blog post and released that there might be a thing or two that you need to get replaced, then you can get a quote from us and we will do the hard work for you!
