September marks the beginning of a change in driving conditions. The days start getting shorter, temperatures begin to fall and wet weather becomes increasingly common. After the warmer summer months, now is a good time to give your car a little attention before autumn and, eventually when winter arrives.
A few simple autumn car checks can help identify worn or developing problems early, while also making sure your vehicle is ready for darker, colder and wetter journeys.
Here are seven things worth checking as the seasons change.
1. Check Your Tyres
Your tyres are your car’s only contact with the road, so their condition becomes particularly important as roads get wetter. Check the tread across each tyre and look for signs of uneven wear, cracks, cuts or bulges. You should also check your tyre pressures against the manufacturer’s recommended figures.
The legal minimum tyre tread depth for cars in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around its entire circumference. However, don’t wait for obvious problems before checking them. If you’re unsure about the condition of your tyres, having them professionally inspected can give you a much clearer idea of how much life they have left.
2. Give Your Brakes Some Attention
Wet roads can increase stopping distances, making properly functioning brakes especially important during autumn and winter. Pay attention to any changes when braking.
Warning signs can include:
- Squealing or grinding noises
- Vibrations when braking
- The car pulling to one side
- A change in how the brake pedal feels
- Increased stopping distance
- Brake warning lights
Brake pads and discs wear gradually, which means you can sometimes become accustomed to a change in braking performance without immediately noticing it. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s worth getting the braking system checked.
3. Check Your Battery
Cold weather can expose weaknesses in an ageing or struggling battery. A battery that seemed perfectly adequate during summer may begin causing problems as temperatures fall and the electrical demands on your vehicle increase.
Some warning signs include an engine that turns over more slowly than usual, difficulty starting or electrical systems behaving unexpectedly. If your battery is several years old or you’ve noticed the car becoming reluctant to start, September is a good time to have it checked rather than discovering the problem on a cold morning later in the year.
4. Make Sure All Your Lights Are Working
As daylight hours shorten, you’ll naturally spend more time driving with your lights on. Walk around the vehicle and check the headlights, brake lights, indicators, rear lights and number plate lights.
It’s also worth checking that the lenses are clean and that your headlights appear to be illuminating the road correctly. Ask someone to help you check the brake lights, or use a reflection from a window or garage door if you’re checking the vehicle yourself.
5. Inspect Your Wipers and Windscreen
Summer sunshine and dry weather can be hard on windscreen wiper blades. By autumn, worn blades may begin smearing water across the windscreen rather than clearing it effectively, it usually happens exactly when you’re likely to need them.
Check your blades for cracking, splitting or deterioration and replace them if they’re leaving streaks or failing to clear the windscreen properly. Top up your screenwash too, and make sure the washer jets are working correctly. Good visibility becomes increasingly important as rain, spray, low sun and darker evenings return.
6. Check Your Coolant and Antifreeze
Your vehicle’s cooling system doesn’t only protect the engine during hot weather. Coolant normally contains antifreeze that helps protect the system as temperatures fall, while also helping prevent corrosion within the cooling system.
Check the coolant level when the engine is completely cold and follow the guidance in your vehicle handbook. If you notice the coolant level repeatedly dropping, don’t simply keep topping it up. There could be a leak or another problem that needs investigating. Never remove the coolant cap while the engine is hot, as the system can contain pressurised hot coolant.
7. Listen to Your Exhaust
Autumn is also a good opportunity to pay attention to what’s happening underneath your car. Exhaust systems are exposed to water, road dirt and changing temperatures, and corrosion or damaged components can eventually lead to leaks.
Listen for changes such as:
- A louder exhaust note
- Blowing or hissing sounds
- Rattling underneath the vehicle
- Knocking noises
- Unusual smells
A change in exhaust noise doesn’t necessarily mean the entire system needs replacing. Sometimes an individual component or joint can be repaired or replaced. Having the problem inspected early can help establish exactly what’s wrong before it develops further.
Don’t Forget Your Regular Service
Seasonal checks are useful, but they shouldn’t replace routine vehicle servicing. Regular servicing provides an opportunity to inspect key components, replace service items where necessary and identify developing wear or faults. If you can’t remember when your vehicle was last serviced, autumn is a good time to check your records and see whether it’s due.
Get Your Car Ready for Autumn
You don’t need to wait until winter arrives to start thinking about your car. Taking a little time in September to check your tyres, brakes, battery, lights, wipers, fluids and exhaust can help prepare your vehicle for the changing conditions ahead.
Most importantly, pay attention to your car. New noises, warning lights or changes in how it drives are worth investigating rather than ignoring.
At Redhill Classics, we look after everything from everyday cars and family vehicles to cherished classics. Whether you need routine servicing, diagnostics, tyres, brakes, repairs, exhaust work or a custom stainless-steel exhaust, our experienced team can help make sure your vehicle is ready for the months ahead.
Not sure whether your car is ready for autumn? Get in touch with Redhill Classics and we’ll be happy to take a look.
