We may be holding out for an Indian Summer, but the fact is that autumn is on its way. And changing seasons mean changing road conditions. Check out our top five things to do to get your car autumn-ready.
- At the top of your list are your windscreen wipers. Although it is important to keep them maintained throughout the summer to get rid of dust and the odd summer shower, during the autumn it is even more important. What is tolerable in the summer could be fatal during inclement weather; heavy rain can cause accidents if your wipers aren’t in good condition. Check your windscreen wipers for drag - if they are bouncing, squeaking or leaving streaks, then you probably need to replace your blades.
- Next comes your braking system. Your brakes might work fine on dry roads, but wet or even icy road surfaces can more than double your stopping distance. Check your brake fluid level - if levels are low, don’t drive before topping up. If you have any concerns, pop to your local garage to get your brake discs checked; if they are old or worn and will need replacing in the near future, it is a good idea to get the job done sooner rather than later.
- As the temperature difference inside and outside your car increases, you could end up with steamed up windows, which has a huge impact on visibility. What’s more, trying to wipe steam from the windscreen while driving is distracting and incredibly dangerous. When you start your engine on a cold morning, wait for the steam to clear before you pull away. To prevent steam on your windscreen, make sure that your ventilation system is in good working order. You may not feel the need for air conditioning at this time of year, but it is a quick way of demisting a vehicle, so check your air-con gas.
- During those long, balmy days of summer it can be easy to forget what it is like to drive in the dusk or dark. But the nights are drawing in and it won’t be long before you will be needing your lights on the way to and from work. Make sure that your brake lights, headlights and indicators are all in good working order to keep you and other road users safe.
- With the drop in temperature, you may notice a drop in tyre pressure. Check them regularly to make sure that your pressure is just right – failure to do so will impede your control over the car and could damage your tyres. If your tyres are old or worn, get them replaced.
You don’t have to be a mechanic to keep on top of general car maintenance; in fact, most of these checks can be done by sight and could save time and money in the longer term. For more vehicle maintenance tips and advice, follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Or, if you have a specific question, just ask!
If you are in doubt, book your car in for an autumn once-over with a rated local garage.