Autumn driving tips: How to prepare your car for autumn

How to prepare your car for the changing season

The mornings have that crisp autumn chill, the leaves are putting on their annual colour show, and we’re all secretly (or not so secretly) excited about getting back into our cosy jumpers.

While we’re sad to see the back of the warmer months – goodbye, Mr. Sunshine, it was so nice to have you – autumn does bring its own magic.

And its own driving challenges.

Every season throws different curveballs at us on the road, and autumn is particularly sneaky.

One minute you’re cruising in glorious sunshine, the next you’re navigating through fog thick enough to send a ship running aground. But don’t worry – with a bit of prep work, you’ll stay in the driving seat no matter what the season throws your way.

Prepare for the Great British fog show

Ah, autumn fog – nature’s way of adding a little mystery to your morning commute.

While it might make you feel like you’re starring in a moody Netflix series, it’s not quite so romantic when you’re trying to get to work on time.

Fog doesn’t just hamper your visibility; it also makes roads wet and slippery faster than you can say ‘where did that come from?’

Your fog-busting checklist:

• Check all your vehicle’s bulbs are working properly
• Give your headlights and indicators a quick wipe – you’d be surprised how much grime builds up
• Test your fog lights (yes, even if you haven’t used them since last winter)
• Keep your lights on dipped beam in fog, not full beam – trust us on this one

Get your windscreen sparklingly clean (inside and out)

Your car might look reasonably clean on the surface, but there’s often an underlying build-up of dirt and grime that’s been plotting against you all summer.

And here’s something many people forget – the inside of your windscreen needs just as much attention as the outside.

Condensation loves nothing more than a grubby interior screen, and autumn provides the perfect conditions for this annoying party trick.

Top windscreen cleaning tips:

• Use a proper car window cleaner for the best results (though standard window cleaner will do the job if you’re on a budget)
• Clean both sides of the windscreen – inside condensation is a real visibility killer
• Don’t forget your mirrors and side windows while you’re at it
• Keep a microfibre cloth handy for quick touch-ups

Keep a pair of sunglasses close

Autumn weather is basically the meteorological equivalent of a mood ring – constantly changing and impossible to predict.

One minute the bright sunshine is making you question if summer’s making a comeback, the next it’s bucketing down like the world is ending.

Could it snow? You never know!

Though your sun visor does a pretty good job of defending your eyes from the sun, there's always that moment on the drive home when the sun sits just in the wrong position.

That's why it's a good idea to keep a pair of sunglasses handy in your car.

Pick your pair wisely.

They need to be effective at deflecting glare, have suitable colour lenses, and be comfortable for you to wear.

Have a novelty pair in your locker that tick all the right boxes? We rate it. And we’ll nod our appreciation to you at the traffic lights.

Show your wipers some love

Your windscreen wipers have had a relatively easy summer – a bit of rain here and there, nothing too demanding.

Well, their holiday is well and truly over, and they’re about to earn their keep.

A pair of dodgy wipers in treacherous conditions can turn your journey into something out of a horror film, and not the fun kind.

Wiper maintenance made simple:

• Check the rubber blades for cracks, splits, or general wear
• Test them on both slow and fast settings
• Make sure they’re clearing the screen properly without streaking
• Replace them if they’re juddering, streaking, or missing patches

Give your tyres the attention they deserve

Your tyres are literally where the rubber meets the road, so it’s crucial they’re up to the job as we head into the wetter months.

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but we’d recommend sticking to at least 3mm during autumn and winter.

The deeper tread will give you better grip, help with stopping distance, and improve your performance on wet roads. And your future self will thank you for being so diligent about your safety.

Your tyre check routine:

• Tread depth: Use the 20p coin test – if you can see the outer band, your tread’s getting low
• Pressure: Check monthly and adjust according to your manufacturer’s recommendations
• General condition: Look for cuts, bulges, or uneven wear patterns
• Don’t forget the spare: It’s no use if the spare tyre is flat when you need it

Drive at an appropriate speed

This might sound like driving instructor territory, but bear with us – autumn road conditions change faster than British weather.

Throughout these months, you’ll face ever-changing road surfaces and the very real risk of reduced visibility affecting your reaction times. Fallen leaves might look pretty, but they’re basically nature's way of creating slip hazards.

Basically, the leaf is to nature what the banana peel is to slapstick comedians.

Your autumn driving strategy:

• Maintain an appropriate speed for the condition of the roads, not just the speed limit
• Increase your following distance – give yourself time and space to react
• If you start to slide, avoid the urge to brake hard, ease off the power and steer into the skid

Remember: wet road surfaces from rain or fallen leaves increase skidding risk significantly. Better to arrive a few minutes late than not at all.

Check your fluids

As temperatures start their downward journey to the single digits, your car’s fluids become even more important.

From engine coolant to washer fluid, they all play starring roles in keeping you moving safely.

Your essential fluid checklist:

• Engine coolant: Crucial for temperature control in all conditions
• Washer fluid: You’ll use more of this than you think in the autumn
• Brake fluid: Essential for safe stopping
• Engine oil: Check the level regularly, and definitely before long journeys
• Top tip: Top up your washer fluid reservoir now – you’ll be using it more frequently to clear road spray and general autumn grime.

Get back on track this autumn

Preparing your car for autumn doesn’t have to be a massive undertaking.

A bit of preventative maintenance now will keep you safely in the driving seat, no matter what the season throws your way.

Whether you’re navigating the school run in your trusty family car or cruising down the motorway on a weekend adventure, these simple checks will help ensure you’re ready for whatever autumn has planned.

Taking care of your lease car isn’t just about avoiding end-of-lease charges (though that’s a nice bonus) – it’s about ensuring you and your family stay safe on increasingly unpredictable roads.