Autumn is here. Dark clouds are starting to tumble across the country, and temperatures are slowly decreasing. Now is the time to get your car ready for the adverse weather conditions coming up, and address the car issues that you’ve been putting off. You wouldn’t want to get stranded in the cold!
We’ve made a quick guide for 5 easy checks you can perform yourself to keep your car in prime condition over autumn.
1. Tyres
Roads in autumn are bound to get more slippery as we expect more rain and potentially icy conditions. On top of that, the layers of dead leaves that trees will shed this autumn can add another layer of danger. Whilst their red, gold and brown hues may look beautiful they can make roads way more slippery, and more dangerous to navigate. For that reason, it’s important to make sure that your tyres are in good condition, especially if you did a lot of driving in the summer.
Ensure your tyres do not have any cracks and check whether they’re inflated to the recommended level. Be sure to also check that there is sufficient tread on the tyres. The legal minimum tread is 1.6mm, so get them replaced straight away if your tyres are below this limit. For safety reasons it’s worth considering replacing them if they’re approaching the legal minimum, the tyre tread will help your car grip the road better.
2. Wiper blades
In the summer, due to changing weather conditions, the rubber on wiper blades can crack and get damaged. This small issue develops into a big problem when the rain starts to pour down come autumn. Check whether the wiper blades look dried out, or are brittle. If they are, then get them replaced. A sign that the wiper blades are worn out is that streaks will appear across the windscreen when you use them, usually paired with a squeaking noise. Check our full wiper guide here.
When it’s autumn, therefore, it’s important to get this checked, to ensure that your car is ready for those autumn showers! Don’t forget to check your windscreen washer fluid levels and top up in time.
3. Windscreen drain holes
The drain holes for the windscreen ought to be checked and cleared regularly. It’s vital to ensure they are clear of any dirt in autumn and winter. In autumn there is, after all, more chance for the drain holes to block up with dead leaves and debris.
If the drain holes get blocked the windscreen scuttle will not be able to dispose of any water in case of rainy conditions. This could lead to leaks in the interior compartment of your car, and following on from that corrosion and an extra repair bill. Make sure to clear them timely, therefore, check our guide for help.
4. Heater check
As the days are getting colder ensure the heater system in your car is working properly. The heater is not just there to keep you warm but will also help you with demisting and defrosting the window. Check that the heater is blowing warm air and that all the different settings are working properly.
If there’s little or no air coming out of the heater vents at all then that’s a sign there may be something wrong with the motor in the heater system. It’s important to get things checked and repaired now before the problems get any worse in the winter. Here’s what to look out for.
5. Check fluid levels
The fluids in your car help to keep your car running smoothly. A full autumn car check is not complete when you haven’t made sure all fluids are at sufficient levels, are topped up and in good condition. Fluids to check would include:
- Engine coolant
- Washer fluid
- Brake fluid
- Engine oil
- Transmission fluid
Each fluid has a specific way to check it, and some can be slightly complicated. For an explanation of how you can check the fluids in your car make sure to read our full fluids guide.
Bonus check to prepare your car for autumn
Battery check
Checking the output of the battery in autumn is good practice. You want to make sure that your battery holds its charge well, and is charging correctly. As the days will get colder your car will need more power from the battery to get the car started. If you’re not sure how to check the battery, or if you have the suspicion that there is an issue then get help from a professional. Check our full battery guide here.
Happy Driving
Meet Kurt, an automotive industry expert with over 13 years of experience. He currently leads the Marketing & Growth team at ClickMechanic, of which he has been an integral part of for the past decade. He has been involved with most parts of the business helping grow the company to new heights, from the creation of the innovative quote engine, and operations, to content and growth marketing automation.
With his extensive background in car repairs and customer support, Kurt is well-positioned to share his expertise on automotive technical topics. A car aficionado from an early age, his physical journey in the automotive world began with his trusty VW Golf 4, which took him on memorable adventures throughout Europe during his student days.
Outside of work, Kurt is a maker, as well as a design and technology enthusiast, embodying a unique blend of creativity and precision with an international outlook. He has a keen interest in the latest advancements in car maintenance and clean vehicle technology, as well as a heart for classic cars. His favourite classic cars include the Lancia Fulvia Series 2 and the Citroen DS, showcasing his appreciation for timeless automotive craftsmanship.