Buying a new car this Autumn? Here’s how to keep it safe and in good condition

You’ve probably already ticked off the essentials to get it winter-ready, but if not, our autumn safety tips are a great place to start. Once those basics are sorted, it’s all about keeping your pride and joy safe, secure and looking its best while you’re out and about.

Here’s how to protect and give your new car the TLC it deserves this season.

Seasonal safety tips to keep in mind

As the autumn and winter months draw upon us, it’s a good time to review your driving habits to avoid being part of the increase we typically see in accident claims over these seasons.

First things first, plan ahead; leave longer for your trip as you’ll have to take things slower in poor conditions, and temporary speed restrictions may likely be in place. The sun is lower in the sky this time of year, which can dazzle you - and not in the good way! Give the inside of your windscreen a good clean and keep some sunnies in the car.

As the weather gets colder and more brutal, it’s best to take more care on the roads. If it’s bad out there, try to travel outside rush hours and use major roads, which are more likely to have been gritted. Leave twice the space between you and the car in front in wet weather; 10 times that in icy or misty weather. If your car starts to skid, don’t brake - ease off the speed and steer slightly into the direction of the skid.

Penalties & fines you might not be aware of

During the colder seasons, we want to ensure you are fully clued up on some circumstances that can incur rather hefty charges for things you may not have known carried penalties on the road. Here are some tips to avoid those that are often overlooked:

1. Where possible, avoid driving through deep puddles, go slowly even on shallow ones to avoid aquaplaning, and give your brakes a quick test as soon as you safely can afterwards. If you need another reason not to, splashing a pedestrian with your car can lead to a whopping £5,000 fine or 9 points on your licence!
2. If your windscreen is frosted over and you need to pop inside to grab your gloves while it’s defrosting, make sure not to leave your car unattended with the engine running, as should the worst happen and it’s stolen you may not be covered by your insurance. Also, did you know that leaving your car idling unnecessarily is actually illegal on a public road and could leave you facing a fine of £20?
   
3. Defog your car properly before you hit the road. Driving with “porthole” vision could land you with an on-the-spot fine of up to £60! Similarly, clear all leaves or snow from your roof and bonnet - anything that could blow onto your windscreen or fall from your car and cause an accident.
4. It might sound obvious, but make sure your lights are on. It gets darker quicker at this time of year, and you can face an on-the-spot fine of £100 if your lights aren’t on when they should be. Most modern cars have an auto setting, but we think it’s worth a double-check for £100!

Keeping your car spick and span

The transition into autumn can be messy with soggy leaves, muddy puddles and road grit flying up from passing cars, even a brand-new vehicle can start to look a little worse for wear.

Regular washes aren’t just about appearances; they help protect your paintwork and stop grime from building up, which can lead to rust later on. A good coat of wax before winter really kicks in can make all the difference, giving your car a protective barrier against salt and moisture.

Don’t forget about the inside; wet shoes and mucky boots can quickly take their toll. Throw a couple of old towels or rubber mats in the footwells to make clean-ups easier, and you won’t be battling mud stains come spring.

Avoid theft with smart parking

The darker nights can, unfortunately, bring an increase in car thefts and break-ins. Even if your new car comes with modern security features, there are still a few extra steps you can take to keep it safe. Whenever you can, park in a well-lit, busy area; if you’re at home, park close to the house or in a garage. As tempting as it can be to leave a bag or even loose change in the car, it’s best to stash valuables out of sight or take them with you. It’s these simple deterrents that can make a big difference.

If your car has keyless entry, be extra careful. Keep your keys well away from windows and doors, or better still, pop them in a Faraday pouch that blocks the transmission of signal completely once inside the pouch. It goes without saying, always, always double-check that your car is locked, even if you’ve only nipped back inside for a minute.

Planning, preparation and maintenance

Your car may be new, but it’s still worth keeping an eye on a few basics. Cold weather can cause tyre pressure to drop, which affects fuel efficiency and grip, so a quick check every couple of weeks is a good habit to get into.

You’ll probably find yourself using more windscreen washer fluid thanks to autumn’s muddy splashes, so keep it topped up. While you’re under the bonnet, take a glance at your oil and coolant levels too. It only takes a minute, but it could prevent a small issue from becoming a bigger, more expensive problem.

Autumn weather can be unpredictable. A warm, sunny morning can quickly turn into a cold, wet evening, or even a surprise frost. Keeping a few essentials in the boot can save the day, like a torch, blanket, phone charger and some snacks or water. It’s also worth having an ice scraper and de-icer handy so you’re not caught off guard on chilly mornings.

Buying a new car is exciting, and with a little extra care, you can keep it running smoothly and looking great throughout the colder months.

If the worst does happen and you get into an accident, remember to stay safe, get information from the other parties involved and give us a call as soon as possible (ideally on the same day), on 0345 604 3570 (24hr accident recovery line).

Sources

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/52/contents
https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/news/motoring-news/drivers-splashing-pedestrians-face-fines-of-up-to-5000/
https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/emissions/idling/
https://www.petrolprices.com/news/defrosting-car-could-cost-60-done-wrong/
https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/winter-driving/is-it-illegal-to-drive-with-snow-on-your-car/
https://www.vanarama.com/blog/cars/the-most-googled-driving-fines-questions