Essential Tips for Autumn Driving
- Driving in autumn can be tricky due to fallen leaves, wet weather, and reduced sunlight.
- Our guide outlines some top tips to help you drive safely this autumn.
- If you break down in your Motability Scheme car, RAC Motability Assist will come to recover you.
Whether you like it or not, we are now well into autumn, with summer just a distant memory. With autumn comes picturesque scenery and cosy evenings; however, it also brings a fresh set of driving challenges.
Slippery leaves, increased rainfall, and darker evenings are just some of the common hazards. It's important to be aware of these potential dangers to help you navigate the roads with confidence.
Read on for our top tips for safe autumn driving.
Driving in the dark
With the days getting shorter, it's important to get used to less daylight. If you haven’t driven in the dark for a while, it’s a good idea to get some practice in with some short nighttime drives. You’ll build up your confidence in no time!
You must remember to turn your dipped headlights on when driving at night. It’s advised you do so an hour before sunset and keep them on an hour after sunrise to ensure you can see and be seen on the roads!
If you’re travelling on unlit roads at night, flick your full beam lights on for improved visibility. Remember to turn these off if you encounter another vehicle or a pedestrian, to prevent dazzling them.
You may need to clean your headlights and rear lights more regularly in the autumn months too. This is because dirt, grit, and grime can build up and reduce the level of illumination of your lights.
Driving in bad weather
Fog is more common in the autumn months due to wet conditions and low temperatures. If you are driving and it becomes foggy, you should slow down and switch on your fog lights. It’s important you don’t put your full beam lights on as this will dazzle other road users. Fog lights are specifically designed to light up the road immediately near the car without dazzling others. Additionally, try and leave a distance of at least three seconds between you and the car in front. You may also find it beneficial to roll your window down at junctions when driving in fog, as it can help you hear oncoming traffic in poor visibility. Remember to always turn off your fog lights when you no longer need them.
When driving in heavy rainfall, it's important to be conscious of large puddles, as they can be deeper than you think, or may be covering potholes. If you drive through a deep puddle and your engine cuts out, put your hazard lights on and call RAC Motability Assist on 0800 73 111 73. Do not attempt to restart your engine as it could cause more damage to your vehicle.
You may also experience high winds when driving in autumn. Particularly if you drive a smaller car, this can sometimes push you slightly off course. Make sure you are gripping the steering wheel tightly so you can correct any sudden changes. Additionally, be careful when overtaking large vehicles in windy weather, as they may also become unstable.
Combatting sun glare
It’s handy to keep a pair of sunglasses in your car all year round. In autumn, low sun in the mornings and afternoons causes glare, making it difficult to see all of the road ahead. Wearing sunglasses and using your car’s sun visor can help reduce the impact of this.
Be aware of hazards on the roads
Fallen leaves can become slippery, posing a risk of skidding. Make sure you leave ample room between you and the car in front in case your vehicle skids. Leaves can also cover up potholes and important road markings. Therefore, ensure you're driving carefully enough to handle any unexpected changes in conditions.
You should also watch out for wildlife when driving in autumn. In rural areas, rabbits, foxes, and even badgers can run out onto the roads, and with reduced light levels, it may be harder to spot them than usual.
Top tips for driving safely this Autumn
1. Keep your vehicle well-maintained
Carry out regular checks on your car to make sure it’s in good condition, and all fluids are topped up. Key areas to keep an eye on include your tyres, brakes, lights, and windscreen wipers. If you need advice on any of these, visit your local Vertu Motors dealership.
2. Be vigilant
Take extra care when driving in autumn. Be aware of leaving plenty of room between you and the car in front in case of unforeseen hazards, which are more common in wet and dark conditions.
3. Be prepared for frost, condensation, and leaves on your windscreen
With changes in the weather come changes in visibility. You must always make sure that you can see clearly when driving, and never set off if this is compromised in any way.
Don’t be tempted to drive with frost on your windscreen as it obstructs your vision. Clear this before you start driving with an ice-scraper and some de-icer.
If your car fogs up whilst you're driving due to condensation, be sure to use the demister or air conditioning to clear this promptly.
Before you set off on any journey, make sure your windscreen is free from leaves and dirt.
4. Familiarise yourself with your fog lights
It might have been a while since you last used your fog lights. Can you remember where the controls are? The fog light symbol is a lamp with three diagonal lines intersected with a wavy vertical line. If you’re unsure, check your vehicle handbook.
5. Carry an emergency pack
Pack some essentials to keep in your boot, in case you break down and need to wait for assistance. Useful items include:
- Torch
- Blanket
- Warm clothing (e.g., a jumper, a hat etc.)
- Ice scraper
- De-icer
- High visibility vest
If you do break down, call RAC Motability Assist on 0800 73 111 73. Find a safe and well-lit place to stop, and help should be on the way as soon as possible.
Autumn driving can be a joy, provided you are prepared for its challenges. We hope this article has given some useful insight into safe driving in tricky conditions.
If you’re looking for a new Motability car to navigate the season, follow the links below.