Seasonal Motoring Safety Tips

Autumn in the UK means less daylight, colder temperatures, rain, and fallen leaves - all of which can present challenges for car drivers.

Autumn, rain, and fallen leaves on the road

By following seasonal motoring safety tips, you can ensure you are prepared for the changing conditions and autumnal roads.

Before you set off

Check your windscreen wipers and washer fluid — wipers are likely to have been used less in the summer, and worn wipers can result in poor visibility.

Falling leaves may also lead to a build-up of debris, so ensure you're topped up on screen wash.

Check your tyres — worn tyres won't be able to cope with slippery roads. Ensure you're topped up on screen wash, and make sure you have adequate tread of at least 1.6mm.

Have a mechanic assess your electrical system — wetter weather, coupled with cold mornings, can cause problems with batteries, spark plugs,and leads. Have a mechanic test your electrical system for any issues.

Be mindful of overloaded batteries — the more frequent use of heating, lighting, and wipers puts extra demand on car batteries during Autumn. If your motor whirrs sluggishly or the lights appear dim, then your battery may need replacing.

Keep inlets clear — leaves can find their way into air inlets, potentially causing engines to overheat. If your windscreen keeps steaming up, check the inlets below the wipers and under the bonnet, and remove any leaves caught there.

Be wary of slippery roads — fallen leaves and mud can make them slippery in wet conditions. You should exercise caution in these circumstances and not travel around corners too quickly.

Fallen leaves can also cover potholes and dips, so make sure you're driving carefully enough to deal with hidden surprises.

Don't watch the fireworks — Autumn brings plenty of festivities such as Halloween and Bonfire Night. Don't get distracted by the explosions in the sky whilst driving.

Seasonal motoring safety tips

Driving in winter with snow and ice

Of all the seasons, winter presents the most challenging conditions for motorists.

Plummeting temperatures combined with snow and ice can cause even the most experienced drivers problems.

In extreme conditions, you should only go out if necessary to avoid the risks posed by bad weather.

However, if you do need to venture out, there are simple steps you can take to make driving safer during the colder months.

Ensure your windscreen, windows, and mirrors are kept cleanthe windscreen washer fluid - debris and dirt can also be distracting and affect your view, whilst your wipers need to be in good working order to deal with increased rain, winter-ready conditions, and snowfallmpact visibility.

Check your wipers and top up on windscreen washer fluid - debris and dirt can also be distracting and affect your view, whilst your wipers need to be in good working order to deal with increased rain, winter-ready, and snowfall chances. You should also be sure to buy winter-ready screen wash.

Check your lights - faulty bulbs or fuses could prevent your headlights, indicators, or brake lights from working when you need them most.

Remove any snow from your bonnet and roof - this can blow off at speed and create a hazard for you and other motorists.

Check your tyres - grip will be necessary, so they need to be in good condition. Although the legal limit for tread is 1.6mm, we recommend at least 3mm. In really wintry conditions, consider using snow chains or snow socks.

Clear your exhaust pipe - ensure it is not clogged with snow, ice, or mud, as this can cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the vehicle while the engine is running.

Plan your journey—consider locations that might be badly affected, such as flood-prone areas —and monitor local weather forecasts.

Continually check for mechanical faults - cold weather can exacerbate underlying mechanical problems, so regularly monitor your brakes, fuel, and oil levels, and immediately investigate any unusual noises.

It is recommended that you carry the following in your car:

* Ice scraper

* Torch and spare batteries

* Warm clothes and blankets

* First aid kit

* Empty fuel can

* Shovel

* Road atlas

* Phone charger

* Warm clothes and blankets

* High-visibility jacket

* Boots with a good grip

* Jump start cables

* Food and drink

* Reflective warning sign

* Sunglasses

While you’re on the road

Driving in the rain

Stay in as high as gear as possible on slippery roads - alongside keeping your revs low, this reduces the chancae of spinning your wheels and losing control.

Pay attention to your speed; this should increase up to tenfold - you should already have slowed before entering a bend, but if you do begin to skid steer gently into it. For example, if the rear of the car is sliding to the right, steer to the right. Do not take your hands off the wheel or brake hard.

Use dipped headlights in heavy rain and snow - daytime running lights may not be adequate. If visibility falls below 100m then use your fog lights.

Don't use cruise control - slippery surfaces such as ice and snow can cause your tyres to lose traction and spin, and cruise control can make it harder to recognise and negotiate this.

Be aware of specific conditions—even if you think a frost has thawed, areas under bridges are often the first to freeze and take longer to thaw.

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