Autumn means fallen leaves, pretty scenery and comfy jumpers! But it also means endless early mornings scraping ice from your car and being late for work!

It’s Time to Prep Your Car for Autumn and we’re here to help you do just that. Keeping your car in top condition can prevent future faults and protect it from the cold weather. Here are a few checks and reminders to help you prep your car for autumn and keep you safe (and warm) before the winter months set in.

Check the Lights

The dark nights are getting closer so make sure you stay visible! Walk around your car and double-check the headlights, brake lights, indicators, parking lights, and emergency flashers are all working efficiently. Ensure they are clean and replace any broken bulbs.

Top tip! Toothpaste is a great cleaner for headlights and saves you splashing out! Simply add a bit of toothpaste on to a rag, scrub the light then rinse with water.

Replace the Wiper Blades

Your wiper blades should completely clear your windscreen and make it easy to see in front of you. If they aren’t doing this or are leaving behind smudges, it might be time to get them changed. Check that the blade rubber on both the back and front wipers is still flexible and working well. Most garages will replace your blades for you if you purchase them from there. Be sure to keep your screen wash topped up to ensure a spotless view.

Check the Brakes and Tyres

Icy or wet roads require good stopping power, and that comes from good brakes and tyres. If your tyres are worn or past the required tread depth, they will need to be changed. Most tyre shops will check them for you free of charge. Also, be sure to keep on top of your tyre pressure as the cold weather causes the pressure to drop. The required pressure can be found in your car manual. Keep them clean with a regular wash and some alloy wheel cleaner to keep scratches and scuffs at bay.

Keep Warm!

The last thing you want on a cold morning is to discover a fault with your heating! Not only does it mean a very cold start, but driving with foggy windows could be an accident waiting to happen. Check your heating is working now and get it repaired if necessary.

Do Your Fluid Checks

The amount of fluids you need to check in your car seems daunting but if you keep on top of them, it’s not as bad as you think! Regularly check your engine oil, washer fluid, transmission, brake, and power steering fluids. Make sure they are all above the minimum level and refill if necessary.

Be Prepared For Ice

Arm yourself against those icy mornings by investing in some de-icer and a windscreen scraper! De-icer will help loosen the ice on your windscreen so you can gently scrape it away. If your car is left outside overnight, a windscreen protector is a great way to shield your car from ice. They can be placed inside or outside and will protect your screen in the winter months. Keep these in your car so you’re always prepared for when Jack Frost comes knocking!

Don’t Get Caught Short

No one likes to think they will ever be involved in an accident or break down far from home, but it’s best to be prepared just in case. Always carry an emergency kit with you including a high vis, warning triangle, emergency light, tyre repair equipment, and a first aid kit to get you out of any tricky situations. It’s also a good idea to invest in a car charger and keep the battery full so you can always get hold of someone in an emergency.

Keep it Clean

A clean car is a happy car! It not only keeps your passengers happy, but it’s a lot easier to spot any potential problems. Remove any stubborn bug and tar stains to avoid permanent damage and give it some shine with car shampoo. Keep it smelling fresh with a handy air fresher and your beloved car will thank you in the long run!

Check out our helpful video on how to wash your car for a spotless, shiny finish!

Tags: Car Care, Car Cleaning Tips