BLOG: Autumn driving tips
While you may get caught up in the nostalgia of the Autumn months; changing leaves, bonfires, stunning scenery and cosy nights in... there is a certain element to autumn driving which you may need to consider to ensure you continue to patrol the roads in a safe manner.
Even if you've been behind the wheel for years and years as the leaves tumble down on your windscreen, or you've got a fresh pink license, take a look at our driving tips for the Autumn months.
Look out for leaves
If you're traveling along rural routes and tree-lined streets in towns and cities, be wary of leaves which can cover up other surprises, like potholes and dips, so make sure you're traveling carefully enough to deal with anything unexpected.
The Highway Code says you should leave two seconds between you and the car in front, but if the road is slippery with leaves, particularly if it's been raining, so leave a bigger gap to prepare for longer stopping distances.
Prepare to be dazzled
To stay prepared for the dazzle of sunlight which flickers through autumn trees and leaves falling, keep a good pair of sunglasses in the car and make full use of the sun visor. It's also sensible to keep your windscreen clean and clear at all times (that's where checking on the windscreen wash comes in!) as any streaks will further impair your vision in the sunlight.
Fill up on fluids
Falling leaves and heavy British autumn rain will leave streaks all over your windscreen, therefore, keeping your washer fluid well maintained is a priority.
Additionally, when the frosty morning hits you square in the face with a chilly breeze, it's a clear sign you need to check your vehicle fluids.
Antifreeze is essential when Autumn hits, so don't get caught out, give those levels a quick check. If you're running low, don't hesitate to fill up and if you're unsure of which is best for you, visit a local garage and ask.
Watch out for wildlife
While the UK has some great wildlife come alive in the autumn months, they can be particularly distracting. Deer, foxes, wildcats, badgers, and rabbits can jump out and are less obvious causing drivers to swerve leading to potential accidents.
Be more cautious of them and also pay attention to road signs which detail where they are more prevalent. Thousands of wildlife creatures are killed each year with the majority of them suffering their fate at this time of year, especially on the country and rural roads.
Don't run out of juice
When the worst of the weather hits in Autumn, one of the worst possible things that could happen is getting caught stranded with a flat battery in the cold and rain.
On average, car batteries last around four years, make sure you get it checked even if you think it still has some juice left in it.
Prepare for night-time driving
Night time driving becomes much more challenging when Autumn come around – and you'll be doing a lot more if it. If you're new to driving, or if you're just well aware that night driving is more difficult for you, its good practice to do some driving at nights so you become more well-adjusted. This will be especially important if you're planning on doing more long journeys in autumn.
Shine those lights bright
Your headlights are your best friends when it gets to autumn, so look after them! As a standard guideline, motorists are encouraged to check their lights every two weeks throughout the year and with the darker nights becoming more regular, it's even more important to check them more regularly.
Additionally, you also need to consider the full show; not just your headlights and brake lights, but also your fog lights, hazards, even your number plate lights.
Don't have an Autumn breakdown
Breakdowns are always a major inconvenience, but experiencing one in the cold, rain and dark conditions that autumn brings can really add salt to the wound. To make sure your covered over this period and don't make the worst of a bad situation, check that your breakdown cover is up to date.
Keep an eye out for children
Children can often go wandering and it can be more difficult to see within the dimmer conditions. They'll also be back at school so they'll be much more present on the roads. Therefore, it's important to be more alert driving near schools, being wary of children running out not wearing reflective clothing and those which are on bikes.
Extra attention also needs to be given at peak times; school times between 8-9 am and when children finish school between 3.30-5 pm. The holidays also bring about a reason for more caution; Bonfire Night is fun for people of all ages, but they can be quite distracting for motorists.
Watch out for kids trick-or-treating on Halloween and be prepared for exploding fireworks and large crowds around local displays when Guy Fawkes comes around.