Temperatures are beginning to drop as we enter autumn, meaning drivers need to prepare their cars to ensure they stay safe on the roads during the cooler months.
In fact, not being prepared could lead to drivers being fined up to £10,320. From poor tyres to broken lights and even low coolant levels, if your car isn't winter ready not only could it mean hefty penalties - you could also be endangering others.
Experts at Leasing Options have shared seven tips to help people prepare their cars for the colder weather, and also avoid fines.
1. Ensure that your tyres are road safe – save £10,000
Cooler temperatures in autumn mean that there are more leaves falling onto the road from trees. This can cause issues with traction on the road, so it is extremely important to make sure your tyres are legal and prepared.
Make sure your tyres are inflated to the correct pressures, anything different could affect braking distances, steering feel, and can wear down your tyres.
You also want to check the tread depth meets the legal standard in the UK, 1.6mm throughout a continuous band in the centre, 3/4 of the tread and around the entire circumference of the tyre.
If there are any cuts, bulges or tears in the tyre that covers more than 25mm or over 10% of the section width of the wheel, your tyres will be deemed unsafe, illegal and you could be fined.
You can receive 3 penalty points on your driving licence and be fined up to £2,500 per illegal tyre, putting you at risk of up to £10,000 in fines for four illegal tyres, so it is worth checking.
2. Make sure all of your lights are working – save up to £320
As the nights draw in, it is important to make sure all of your lights are working, including fog lights (front and rear). We'll soon be spending more time in the dark, so whilst there are some daylight hours left at the end of the day, get them checked.
You can have a friend check the functionality of your brake lights and reverse lights for you, or slowly reverse towards a garage door or large window and check for a reflection.
If you are pulled over by the police for a light not working, they may give you a verbal warning or a Roadside Prohibition Notice - which gives you ten days to get it fixed.
However, if your brake light is out you risk getting fined up to £60, or £120 for both brake lights, and three penalty points on your licence. If your headlight is out, you risk receiving a fine of £100, or £200 for both headlights, and three penalty points.
3. Check your coolant level and concentration
Checking your coolant is important as it helps the engine cool down, without it you risk damaging your car. The engine in some modern cars may even cut out to protect the car against damage.
Make sure that the coolant level is between the minimum and maximum markers. The liquid will expand when hot, so remember to wait until your engine is cold before checking.
If you use a mix of water and coolant, you may want to increase the concentration of coolant in autumn to avoid freezing at lower temperatures.
It is important to always top up coolant with the same coolant already in the system, if you're unsure, seek expert advice.
4. Check your screen wash and nozzles
As autumn begins, you may start noticing more dirt and leaves on your windscreen. Checking your screen wash will help you maintain a clear view of the road.
Screen wash needs to be the correct concentration to prevent freezing when temperatures drop. It is pretty simple to work out how much screen wash you need; normally a 50:50 mix will suffice.
It is also worth checking the spray pattern of the washer jet nozzles to make sure they're clean, you can do this by clearing the aim with a pin.
The low sun in the cooler months means you risk not being able to see clearly if your windscreen is dirty, so checking your screen wash and windscreen wipers is essential to staying safe, however you also need to make sure you the inside is clear too, and keep a pair of sunglasses in the car for when the sun is direct.
5. Replace damaged windscreen wipers
Again, you’ll need your windscreen wipers to help clear your windscreen of any dirt or autumn leaves now that the temperatures are dropping.
To check their condition, look for splits or hardness to the rubber. You can also give them a quick clean with car shampoo or screen wash to make sure they’re clear of any dirt themselves.
If your wipers are old or due for replacement, look at the possibility of an upgrade to more efficient aero-style ones.
6. Check your engine oil
It is always good to check the oil level on a weekly basis, especially if you’re planning a long journey. This helps you spot any potential leaks and avoids major engine damage.
Whether you use synthetic or regular engine oil, it is usually recommended that you check your oil before you turn your engine on, or five-ten minutes after turning it off. If unsure, check your owner's manual and seek expert advice.
7. Wash and hoover your car
Wet leaves that stick to your car in autumn are just one of the ways that the cooler weather can damage your car. The leaves release chemicals as they decompose, such as tannic acid, which can lead to marks and discolouration that could also invite rust.
To avoid this, wash the exterior of your car and give it a polish and wax to protect it over the cooler months, otherwise you risk having to pay an average of £400 for repairs to your paintwork. If the damage is serious you may even find yourself paying up to £2,400 to respray your car.
Leaves and other autumn debris can also cause blockages that can damage your car, one example of this is drain hole blockages. If water can’t drain away, it could result in an electrical fire under your bonnet, so it is best to remove any dead leaves or dirt when you get the chance.
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