The car needs special care in autumn. And the driver should also be prepared for the cold and wet season. 5 tips on how people and cars can get through the uncomfortable season.
Beware of leaves – on the street and in the car
While most drivers drive cautiously in snow, many drive too fast on dirty roads. Wet leaves or lumpy earth on the road can lead to a real slide. The braking distance is also significantly longer. Potholes, stones or other obstacles can also easily be hidden under a cover of leaves. Leaves can also cause another problem if they fall into the water tank below the windshield and clog the drainage openings. If the water drain is clogged, water may get into the vehicle interior or the footwell. This can result in unpleasant smells, mold or technical defects.
See well and be seen
In autumn, it is particularly important to have perfect vehicle lighting – not only to have a better view yourself, but also to be recognized by others at an early stage. The low beam, for example, should be switched on early, because the daytime running lights of modern cars quickly reach their limits at dusk and when visibility is poor. In general, it is recommended to take part in the nationwide free light tests at the start of the dark season. The windshield wipers should not be forgotten either. If they are cracked or worn, the lips must be replaced. In the case of soiling, cleaning with detergent or car shampoo helps first.
Pay attention to wind and weather
Autumn brings not only rain, darkness and fog, but also a lot of wind and occasionally even storms. If possible, drivers should not park their vehicle under trees – otherwise falling branches can cause considerable damage. In order to have your vehicle under control in the event of unforeseen gusts, the speed must be adapted to the conditions. You should be particularly careful on bridges or forest aisles, as there is a risk of strong crosswinds. Only those who have both hands on the steering wheel can react quickly and, if necessary, take countermeasures. Especially those who are rarely on the road with a trailer as a team should avoid such days for the transport of bulky goods – if possible.
Beware of deer crossing
Especially in autumn there are many accidents with wildlife due to the early onset of dusk. At this time of day, the animals are in search of food or return to their resting areas and cross the lanes in the process. Therefore, caution is required, especially on roads along fields and forests. Even if there are no signs pointing to deer crossing. With a single deer or wild boar, you have to expect that other animals will follow from the pack. If wild animals appear on the road or on the side of the road, drivers should dim the high beam and honk. The dazzling with the high beam confuses the animals, they lose their orientation and often run instinctively towards the light source. If a collision cannot be avoided, hold the steering wheel and brake. Risky evasive maneuvers should be avoided. A collision with another car or a tree is usually more dangerous than a collision with an animal.
It is safer to drive if you are properly dressed
In autumn, the time for T-shirts and thin sweaters ends, thick vests and anoraks become the clothing of choice, especially in the morning. However, the warm clothes are often not suitable for driving a car. If clothes are too thick, you cannot move properly behind the wheel. In addition, so-called “belt slack” can occur. The seat belt is no longer in close contact with the body because a cavity has formed underneath. The restraint system does not provide optimal protection in the event of an accident. This is especially true for children who are strapped into their seat with a jacket. In the darker months of the year, the safety vest, which is mandatory anyway, is particularly important. So it’s better to check again whether it is on board – ideally there should be one for each theoretically possible passenger. (Authors: tv, hh / sp-x)