Driving in Autumn: Here’s How To Prepare
It’s nearly the end of summer, and autumn is upon us. Here’s how drivers should prepare for the season’s conditions…
Think About Your Speed
It’s easier to lose track of your speed when you’re travelling in the dark or in foggy conditions. For this reason, make sure you’re extra vigilant during the autumn months. It’s easier to lose focus when you’re contending with new road conditions. In general, you should be driving slower than you usually would in order to accommodate for tougher circumstances.
Check Your Tyres
Poor weather means slippy surfaces, which means you don’t want to compromise on the grip of your tyres. Ensure that they’re properly inflated, neither too little nor too much; your driver’s manual should specify the correct levels. Also, make sure that you’ve got an appropriate level of tread depth. The AA recommends no less than 3mm.
Watch Out for Slippery Surfaces
As we’ve mentioned, it’s important that your tyres are prepared for autumn conditions. But, in general, you should be aware of the risks of slippy surfaces. Rain, fallen leaves and other debris and make the roads dangerous. Use your car’s lights to keep a good view of the road ahead and travel at a reduced speed to give yourself more time to react. It’s also important to leave more space than you usually would between yourself and the vehicle in front of you; there’s no right time for tailgating, but especially so in the damper and colder months!
Don’t Get Dazzled
During the autumn months, the sun sits low and this produces substantial risks of glare. Needless to say, losing your vision even momentarily whilst at the wheel is bad news. To mitigate the risk, ensure that your windscreen is thoroughly clean both inside and out. Any chips or scratches should also be addressed, as these can make glare worse. It’s also wise to keep a pair of sunglasses in the car and to make use of your headlights more than you otherwise would.
Inspect Bulbs and Lights
As it starts to get darker, your car’s lights become increasingly important. The last thing you want is for them to fail whilst driving in the dark. Inspect all of your car’s bulbs and ensure they’re in a good condition. Like your windscreen, you should also ensure your lights are free of scratches and damage. Given the likelihood of poor weather, it’s also crucial that you keep them clean and free of dirt and debris.
The Top Ten Most Irritating Driving Habits – https://autoserveclub.co.uk/blog/the-top-ten-most-irritating-driving-habits/
Nearly Two-Thirds Of Drivers Won’t Go Electric ‘Until They Have To’ – https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/nearly-two-thirds-of-drivers-wont-go-electric-until-they-have-to/
