Autumn is a beautiful season with its vibrant colours and poetic landscapes… but for your car, it can be a challenging time. Fallen leaves, rain, fog and temperature fluctuations can put your vehicle to the test. To avoid unpleasant surprises and keep your car in top condition, here are some essential tips to help you prepare your car for the arrival of autumn.  

 

  1. Check the condition of your tyres and their grip 

Driving can become more difficult in the autumn. The combination of rain, light morning frost and wet leaves covering the ground makes roads particularly slippery.  

In these conditions, your tyres play a crucial role. 

 

Here are a few things to check to ensure a safe autumn:  

  • Check the tread depth of your tyres. 1.6mm is legally required, but a minimum of 3mm is recommended to prevent skidding.  
  • Check your tyre pressure, as temperature variations directly affect road handling.  
  • Consider all-season tyres if you live in a wet region.  

 

  1. Maintain your engine

Cooler autumn and winter temperatures can make it harder to start your vehicle, especially after a cold night. 

The engine needs to work harder to reach its optimal operating temperature, which can lead to increased component wear and slightly higher fuel consumption.  

To limit these effects, certain products and additives specifically designed to protect the engine can be useful. They help lubricate parts, reduce deposits and make cold starts easier, helping to extend the life of your engine and maintain its performance.  

  • Fuel additives: cleans the injection system and prevents clogging, especially if you make a lot of short trips. Wynn's Power 7, whether in a petrol or diesel version, is a good complete treatment. Its powerful formula allows for thorough cleaning of the fuel system. 

 

  • Anti-crystallisation additive for the AdBlue® system: AdBlue® is a fluid that can crystallise and cause significant breakdowns. To avoid any risk, prevention is key: add an anti-crystallisation additive such as Ad Protect to the AdBlue® tank every time you fill up.  

 

  • Suitable engine oil: check whether your current oil is suitable for autumn temperatures; a more fluid oil can make starting easier. 

  1. Pay attention to your brakes and visibility

Wet autumn roads put more strain on your brakes. Water and wet leaves can reduce tyre grip and increase braking distance, which can make certain situations more dangerous. Fortunately, a few simple steps can make a substantial difference to your safety:  

  • Check the thickness of your brake pads and the condition of your brake discs to ensure that your brakes remain effective, especially on wet roads.  
  • Check the level and quality of your brake fluid, as old or insufficient fluid can compromise safety.  

  1. Protect your car body and think about your visibility

Fallen leaves and rain can quickly dirty your car. If they stick to the bodywork, they can not only dull the appearance of your paintwork but also cause small marks or long-term damage. Regular cleaning will therefore help to preserve the shine and durability of your bodywork throughout the season. 

  • Wash your car regularly to remove acidic deposits from leaves.  

 

  • Apply a protective wax before frequent rainy weather to form a barrier against moisture. Rain-X’s Cerami-X Exterior Detailer is a great solution.  

 

  • Change your windscreen wipers if necessary and fill the washer fluid reservoir with a screen wash suitable for cooler temperatures to maintain optimal visibility in rainy or foggy weather. There are even screen washes with rain repellent, which drastically improves your visibility.  

 

  1. Be prepared for the unexpected

Autumn can bring its share of surprises on the road: morning black ice, flooded roads or unexpected breakdowns. By taking a few simple precautions—such as checking your tyres, inspecting your engine and anticipating weather conditions—you can drive with peace of mind and enjoy the season stress-free. To do this:  

  • Keep an emergency kit in the boot that includes a blanket, a flashlight, gloves, a warning triangle and a yellow vest. This will allow you to react quickly in the event of an unexpected situation.  
  • Check the condition of your battery, as cold temperatures can reduce its capacity and make it difficult to start your vehicle.  

In short, taking care of your car in autumn goes far beyond simply washing it or changing the tyres. 

It is important to pay attention to mechanical maintenance, use the right products when necessary and adopt driving habits that are suited to wet and cool conditions. 

With these simple but essential steps, your vehicle will get through the season safely, and you can enjoy the autumn colours and scenery without any worries behind the wheel.