Autumn brings many challenges for drivers. Rain, cool temperatures and falling leaves make it quite difficult to keep the vehicle clean and in good working order. If you want to get your car through the autumn in good condition, you should take precautionary measures in good time with an autumn check. Here we would like to show you how to protect your vehicle from the typical autumn problems and at the same time ensure safety on the road.
Car tyres in autumn: safety through correct tyres
One of the most important measures for autumn is undoubtedly switching to winter or all-season tyres. Even at temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius, winter tyres offer better grip on wet and cold roads. They prevent slipping on leaves or the first layers of frost and improve driving stability.
The tyre tread also plays a decisive role. Check the tread depth of your tyres regularly. It should be at least 4 mm for autumn. Of course, tyre pressure is just as important and should be checked regularly and adjusted to the weather conditions. This will increase your safety and ensure optimum fuel consumption.
Paint care: protection from rain, dirt and leaves
In autumn, car paintwork is particularly susceptible to damage from leaves, rain and dirt. Leaves often contain acids that attack the paintwork. Dirt particles adhere to the other side due to the moisture and this can scratch the surface. Thorough cleaning and care is essential to protect the paintwork.
Regular washing removes dirt and leaf residue. A wax treatment is then recommended. This allows you to seal the paintwork against moisture and dirt. This protective layer helps to protect the vehicle from environmental influences and significantly minimises the risk of rust formation.
Windscreen and windscreen wipers: clear visibility in all weathers
A clean windscreen is essential for good visibility. Especially in wet weather and early dusk in autumn. Check the function of your windscreen wipers. Worn wiper blades can leave streaks and significantly impair your visibility in the rain.
Also top up the windscreen wiper fluid with a suitable antifreeze. This will prevent it from freezing in cooler temperatures. A protective sealant on the windscreen can also be helpful: it allows rain and dirt to roll off more easily, which improves visibility.
Interior protection: Avoid moisture and unpleasant odours
In autumn, damp shoes and clothing quickly cause moisture to enter the vehicle interior. This can settle in the upholstery and leave stains. Unpleasant odours are usually unavoidable. Rubber floor mats are an ideal solution here, as they repel moisture and are easy to clean.
Seat protectors and regular ventilation of the vehicle also help to reduce moisture. Silica gel bags are particularly practical as they absorb excess moisture from the air and reduce the risk of mould growth.
Battery check: Avoid starting problems on cold autumn days
Cold autumn days are particularly hard on car batteries. If the battery is already weak, starting problems often occur at low temperatures. Therefore, have your battery checked at the garage before autumn. A simple check of the charging capacity can prevent you from not being able to drive off on cold mornings.
If the battery is already several years old, it may be worth replacing it. This way you can be on the safe side.
Light and visibility: the right lighting in autumn
In autumn, the days are shorter and the weather is often gloomy. Functioning lighting is therefore essential. Check headlights, fog lights and tail lights in particular regularly to ensure that they are working properly.
Don't forget to adjust your headlights correctly so that you have optimum visibility in fog and at dusk. Fog lights can improve visibility in dense fog and make you more visible to other road users.
So autumn brings many challenges for your vehicle. Regular maintenance, changing to winter tyres and checking the lights and battery will increase the service life of your car and ensure your own safety on the road.