How to handle autumn driving conditions

7th November 2013

Autumn brings many changes for road users, from blinding sunlight to the first icy windscreen of the season. Be prepared – plan ahead to avoid being caught out and follow the Institute Of Advanced Motorists’ recommendations:

• As we get further into autumn and temperatures drop, clear your windscreens of condensation or ice before setting off.  Give yourself extra time to ensure you can see though your windows clearly before setting off on your journey.
• A patch of wet leaves can be as dangerous as hitting standing water.  Take care and reduce your speed before driving onto them as they can be very slippery.
• As the days get shorter, turn on your headlights before sunset and keep them on for an hour after sunrise so that it’s easier for drivers to see you in twilight.
• Autumn can take its toll on vehicle batteries.  Keep the top of the battery clean and dry, and make sure the terminals are tight and free from corrosion.
• If a battery is more than three years old, check it now – you might save yourself many a frustrating start to a morning.
• Make sure your wiper blades are in good condition.  If they squeak as they wipe, they probably need replacing.  Make sure they are turned off before starting the ignition to save the blades and the risk of a blown motor fuse when the first frost hits.

“Remember that leaves can be slippery, especially when wet, so avoid hard acceleration or braking as it can cause skidding,” Peter Rodger, the IAM’s Chief Examiner, said. “Be aware there may be a dip, pothole or other road hazard hiding under the leaves covering the road, and hold the wheel firmly if you must drive over them.”

Peter also offered the following advice on dealing with low sun and dazzle in the autumn:

• Keep a good pair of sunglasses in your vehicle – they will make a big difference.
• If you can’t see, slow down – keeping an eye on the vehicle behind in case the following traffic can’t see you against the sun.
• If the sun is behind you, it’s in the eyes of drivers coming towards you – be aware they might not see you or the road markings between you and them.
• Low sun behind can dazzle you via your mirrors, so be ready to dip the mirror and remember to check over your shoulder for vehicles in your blind spot.
• Low sun highlights scratches and grime which can hinder your view, so keep your washer bottles topped up with a good quality screen wash and change your windscreen wipers every year.

“Dirty windscreens make it even more difficult for drivers to see in the low sun we get every morning and late afternoon as winter draws closer,” said Peter.  “If your heater is often on the de-mist setting, it will blow traffic fumes, suspended oil and smoke onto the inside of your windscreen.  This builds up a film of grime, which is a major cause of glare.  Clean your screen inside and out with glass cleaner at least once a week.”