Driving Tips for Autumn

See and be seen!

As the days become shorter and darker, the Good Garage Scheme recommends that you carry out a few safety checks and offers advice to help you prepare for autumn driving.

Clean your windscreen

Dazzle from low sun is inevitable at this time of year. Make sure your windscreen is clean, both inside and out to help you see clearly. Be aware of other drivers who may be caught out by dazzle.

Check your windscreen wipers

Also, check your windscreen wipers. If you are in doubt if they need renewing, visit your nearest Good Garage Scheme member for advice.

Check your windscreen washer fluid

A smear across your windscreen will make visibility poor. The Good Garage Scheme recommends you top up your windscreen washer fluid regularly and especially before setting out on a long journey.

Are your bulbs working?

It is also important for other motorists to see you! Check your bulbs weekly. Ask a friend or neighbour to help you with this and let others know if you spot a missing bulb on their car. They may not be aware of it.

Take extra care driving in fog

We can sometimes be caught unawares during the autumn with unexpected foggy conditions on the roads.

The Good Garage Scheme recommends that drivers slow down when entering into foggy road conditions and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Make sure your lights are on so that others motorists can see you. According to the Highway Code, headlights should be used when visibility is seriously reduced.

As a general rule, that is when you are unable to see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). Fog lights can be used, but must be switched off when visibility improves as this can dazzle oncoming traffic and also obscure the visibility of the brake lights.

If you need someone to check your any of your lights, especially your fog lights, visit your nearest Good Garage Scheme member. Visit www.GoodGarageScheme.com and find one near you.

Wet Weather? Get a grip and slow down

The British climate is renowned for its consistent rainfall, which can cause a number of problems for drivers on its roads. The Good Garage Scheme offers some sound advice on what precautions to take when driving in the wet weather this autumn.

Slow down

One of the fundamental parts of conquering the wet roads is to reduce the speed at which you travel. The three main controls of steering, braking and accelerating are all less effective under wet conditions so slowing down and gentle use of these controls will enable you to manage the car more steadily.

Increase your following distance

The usual 2-second rule should at least be doubled in wet conditions. Brakes are not as responsive in the rain; therefore this will allow you more time to think and react and will greatly reduce the chance of a collision.

Be aware of floodwater

Make sure you show great caution to any water that has collected at the side of roads as this can cover up potholes as well as creating further risk of aquaplaning.

On approaching deep water on the road

Don't panic! When driving through deeper sections of water you should always keep your engine revving, moving at a constant yet slow speed. If a stall does occur, manual vehicles may be able to drive out of the water using the starter motor, removing spark plugs beforehand as this can lower compression and enable the starter to turn more easily. If this is not possible then the better option is to have someone tow you out. After passing through deep water it is also important that you check your brakes, as they will probably be saturated and not functioning properly.