Autumn brings darker mornings, wetter roads and cooler temperatures, all of which can make driving conditions more challenging.
After a summer of longer journeys, warmer weather and potentially more miles than usual, September is a good time to give your car a quick check and make sure everything is ready for the months ahead.
Here are some of the key areas worth checking as we head into autumn.
Check Your Tyres
Wet roads make good tyre condition particularly important. Your tyres need to disperse water effectively and maintain good contact with the road, so checking both tread depth and pressure should be high on your list.
The legal minimum tyre tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tyre, but it is worth keeping an eye on your tyres well before they reach this point.
Also check for uneven wear, cracks, bulges or other visible damage.
Make Sure Your Lights Are Working
With the days getting shorter, you will increasingly rely on your lights during morning and evening journeys.
Check your headlights, brake lights, indicators, reversing lights and fog lights to make sure everything is working correctly.
It is also worth cleaning the lenses, as dirt can reduce their effectiveness.
Check Your Wipers and Screenwash
Summer heat and prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause windscreen wiper blades to deteriorate.
If your wipers are leaving streaks, making noise or failing to clear the windscreen properly, it may be time to replace them.
Top up your screenwash at the same time and check that the washers are operating correctly.
Pay Attention to Your Brakes
Wet and slippery roads can increase stopping distances, making properly functioning brakes even more important.
Listen for unusual squealing or grinding noises and pay attention to any vibration, pulling or changes in how the brake pedal feels.
If something does not feel right, it is always best to have your brakes inspected.
Check Your Battery
Car batteries can work harder as temperatures fall, particularly when you start using your lights, heating and other electrical systems more frequently.
If your car is becoming slower to start, your battery is several years old or you have noticed electrical issues, getting it checked before colder weather arrives could help prevent an inconvenient breakdown later in the year.
Check Your Fluid Levels
Take a few minutes to check essential fluids including engine oil, coolant and screenwash.
Low fluid levels can cause problems at any time of year, but checking them as the seasons change is an easy way to identify anything that might need attention.
Do Not Ignore Your Air Conditioning
Air conditioning is not just for hot summer days. It can also help remove moisture from the air inside your car, making it useful for clearing misted windows during damp autumn mornings.
If your air conditioning is struggling to clear the windscreen or is not performing as well as it should, it may be worth having the system checked.
Get Your Car Ready for Autumn
A few simple checks now can help keep your car safe, reliable and ready for changing driving conditions over the coming months.
If you would rather leave the checks to the professionals, Segensworth Automobiles can help with servicing, repairs, tyres, brakes, air conditioning, MOTs and general vehicle maintenance.
Get in touch with our team today to book your car in and make sure it is ready for autumn.
