The condition of the windscreen wipers may catch us out first. In summer, when rainfall is relatively rare, we do not notice that the blades are already worn and the rubber damaged. However, autumn rain and dew settling at night mean that we use the wipers almost every day.
It is then that we discover they smear instead of wiping, which will certainly reduce visibility and thus pose a real danger. It is therefore worth replacing the wiper blades.
What about the battery?
After several years from the date of purchase, its capacity decreases, and as temperatures fall, the risk of it running down increases. Lower temperatures also mean higher engine-oil viscosity. This contributes to the need for more energy to start the engine. It is therefore worth checking the condition of your battery.
What else is worth paying attention to?
Shorter days and mud thrown up from beneath the wheels of other cars mean that attention should be paid to the headlights. Adequate light output is essential in autumn. If the headlights are damaged and the bulbs are old, their effectiveness will be much lower.
Their proper functioning is particularly important at this time of year, when it is often cloudy and gets dark early.
Which fluids should you use for the windscreen washer or radiator?
Although autumn is not winter yet, nighttime drops in temperature should not come as a surprise. If we have not previously taken care to use the appropriate windscreen-washer or coolant fluid, we may face an unpleasant surprise. We should therefore check in advance the temperature at which our coolant freezes and, if necessary, replace it with a suitable one.
What about the tyres?
People living outside cities may consider changing to winter tyres earlier. They provide better grip and better performance when the road is wet. After all, rain and mud are inseparable companions of autumn. If our journey from home to work involves driving on unpaved roads, this solution will reduce the risk of getting stuck in a muddy puddle.
What footwear is best?
Drivers should also remember to wear suitable footwear that will not restrict their movements. It is worth keeping a comfortable spare pair in the car.