Autumn brings colourful views, cooler weather and darker evenings. It can also make driving more difficult. Heavy rain, wet leaves, fog and low sun may all affect how well you can see and how much grip your car has on the road.
The good news is that a few simple checks and small changes to the way you drive can help you feel more prepared. Here are some of the most common autumn driving hazards and how to deal with them safely.
1. Heavy rain and standing water
Rain can reduce visibility and make the road more slippery. According to the Highway Code, stopping distances in wet weather are at least twice as long as they are on a dry road.
When driving in heavy rain:
- Slow down and leave at least a four-second gap from the vehicle in front.
- Use dipped headlights when visibility is seriously reduced.
- Take extra care around pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders.
- Watch for standing water, especially near the kerb and in dips in the road.
- Avoid harsh braking or sudden steering.
If your steering becomes light or unresponsive, your tyres may be losing contact with the road due to water. Ease off the accelerator and allow the car to slow down gradually. Do not make sudden movements.
Never assume flood water is safe to drive through. It may be deeper than it looks and could hide damage or debris. Turn around and find another route if the road is flooded.
2. Wet leaves and mud
Fallen leaves can become slippery when wet. They may also cover road markings, potholes and the edge of the road. Mud from fields can create another slippery surface, particularly on rural roads.
Reduce your speed before reaching bends or junctions and leave more room to stop. Steer, brake and accelerate smoothly. Look out for warning signs near farms and areas with lots of trees.
3. Low autumn sun
The sun sits lower in the sky during autumn, so glare can become a problem during morning and evening journeys. It can make traffic lights, road signs and other road users harder to see.
Keep the inside and outside of your windscreen clean, as dirt and smears can make glare worse. Make sure your screen wash is topped up and keep a pair of suitable sunglasses within easy reach.
If bright sunlight affects your view, slow down. If you still cannot see clearly, stop somewhere safe until visibility improves.
4. Fog and mist
Fog can appear quickly and may be patchy. Before entering fog, check your mirrors and reduce your speed. Leave enough space to stop within the distance you can see clearly.
You must use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see beyond 100 metres. Fog lights should only be used when visibility is seriously reduced and must be switched off when conditions improve, as they can dazzle other drivers.
Use your demisters and windscreen wipers when needed. Avoid using full beam headlights in fog, as the light can reflect back and make it harder to see.
5. Strong winds and fallen debris
Autumn storms can bring strong winds, fallen branches and other debris onto the road. Sudden gusts may push vehicles off course, especially on bridges, open roads and when passing gaps between buildings or hedges.
Drive more slowly, keep both hands on the wheel and give yourself extra space. Take care when passing lorries, buses, caravans and other high-sided vehicles. Cyclists and motorcyclists may also be moved sideways by a gust, so give them more room than usual.
6. Darker mornings and evenings
As daylight hours become shorter, more journeys take place in the dark or in poor light. This can make pedestrians, cyclists, road signs and hazards harder to spot.
Check that every light on your car works and keep the lenses clean. Reduce your speed when visibility is poor and take extra care near schools, crossings and residential areas. Remember that other road users may not always be easy to see.
7. Early frost and cold roads
Frost is not only a winter problem. Cold autumn mornings can create slippery patches, particularly on bridges, shaded roads and quiet routes that may not have been treated.
Look for frost on your windscreen or pavement before setting off. Drive gently, increase the gap from the vehicle ahead and avoid sudden braking, steering or acceleration. Road conditions can change over a short distance, even when the main route appears clear.
How to prepare your car for autumn
A quick check at the start of the season can help you spot problems before they affect a journey.
Check your tyres
Make sure your tyres are correctly inflated and look for cuts, damage or uneven wear. Cars and light vans must have at least 1.6 mm of tread across the central three-quarters of each tyre and around its full circumference.
Test your lights
Check your headlights, brake lights, indicators and fog lights. Ask someone to help or use a reflection in a window or garage door. Clean away any dirt that may make the lights harder to see.
Inspect your wipers and screen wash
Replace wiper blades if they leave streaks, make noise or fail to clear the windscreen properly. Top up the screen wash with a suitable product rather than plain water, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Check the demisters and heating
Make sure the front and rear demisters work before colder mornings arrive. Do not begin a journey until your windows and mirrors are clear enough for you to see properly.
Look at the battery and fluid levels
Cold weather can put extra strain on a weak battery. If the engine is slow to start or the battery is several years old, consider having it checked. Check your oil, coolant, brake fluid and screen wash regularly, following your vehicle handbook.
Carry a few useful items
It can help to keep a torch, warm layer, phone charger, first aid kit, ice scraper and bottle of water in the car. These may be useful if you are delayed or break down in colder weather.
Check before you set off
Autumn weather can change quickly, so check the forecast and any travel warnings before a longer journey. Allow extra time, choose a safer route where possible and delay your journey if severe weather is expected.
Preparing for autumn driving does not need to be complicated. Keeping your car in good condition, slowing down and allowing more space can make a real difference when roads are wet, dark or difficult to see.
Is your car cover ready for autumn?
The change of season can be a useful time to check that your car insurance still suits your needs. If your circumstances or the way you use your car have changed, speak to your insurance broker.
When you are ready to review your options, One Call Insurance can help you look for car insurance that fits your needs and budget. Get a quote in your own time and head into autumn feeling prepared.
