Autumn Driving Safety Tips: How to Stay Safe in Wet Weather

One minute you’re driving in bright sunshine; the next, rain is bouncing off the windscreen - typical UK weather! Add darker evenings and poor visibility to the matter, and even a familiar journey can feel quite different in autumn. 

A few changes to your driving habits, along with some straightforward vehicle checks, can help you prepare. These autumn driving safety tips cover what to watch out for and how to keep your car ready for the season.

 

1. Adjust your speed to the weather conditions 

A speed limit doesn’t tell you what’s safe in every situation. Heavy rain, slippery surfaces and poor visibility may mean travelling well below it. 

Look further ahead so you can ease off the accelerator early. Aim to brake smoothly before a bend, then steer steadily through it. Sudden braking or acceleration and sharp steering can make it harder to maintain control when grip is reduced. 

Remember that conditions can change along your route. An open stretch might look clear, while the next shaded bend is damp or covered in fallen leaves. Slow down before reaching these patches and give yourself room to react. 

 

2. Leave more space when driving in wet weather 

Following too closely gives you less time to react if the vehicle ahead stops. 

In wet weather, stopping distances are at least double those on dry roads. Increase your following distance, accordingly, leaving even more room where visibility or grip is particularly poor. 

That extra space also helps you see beyond the vehicle in front and spot standing water, junctions or other hazards earlier. 

For more advice on preparing your car and adjusting your driving, read our wet weather driving tips. 

 

3. Check your tyre tread, pressure and condition 

Your tyres need to cope with water on the road, so don’t leave their condition to chance. 

Tread grooves help move water away from the tyre’s contact patch. As tread wears down, its ability to disperse water reduces, increasing the risk of aquaplaning. Our blog explains why tyre tread depth matters. 

Before setting off: 

• Check tread depth at several points on each tyre. 

• Check cold tyre pressures against your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. 

• Look for cuts, cracks, bulges and uneven wear. 

Use the correct pressure settings for the load you’re carrying, particularly when travelling with several passengers or a boot full of luggage. Our tyre pressure guide explains how to check yours. 

 

4. Watch for standing water 

Heavy rain can leave water collecting across the road, and puddles may conceal potholes or other road damage underneath. 

Look ahead and reduce your speed before reaching standing water. You should avoid driving into floodwater. If you can’t judge its depth or the condition of the road beneath it, choose another route if possible. If your car is damaged by driving through floodwater, you may find your insurance won’t cover repairs.  

Aquaplaning happens when water prevents your tyres from maintaining contact with the road. Your steering may suddenly feel light or unresponsive. 

If this happens, ease off the accelerator and allow the car to slow gradually. Avoid sharp braking or sudden steering movements while your tyres regain grip. 

 

5. Keep your windscreen clear 

Rain and road spray are much harder to deal with if your wipers leave streaks across the glass. 

Check your wiper blades for splits or damage and replace them if they no longer clear the windscreen effectively. Top up your screenwash and clean the glass inside and out. 

Use your car’s demisting controls to keep condensation from blocking your view. It’s better to clear the windows fully before setting off than struggle to see while driving. 

Remove leaves caught around the wipers and the area below the windscreen, too, as they can obstruct drainage. 

 

6. Prepare for low sun and darker journeys 

Autumn sunshine can be surprisingly dazzling when the sun sits low in the sky. Glare can make traffic lights, pedestrians and vehicles ahead harder to see. 

Keep sunglasses handy, use your sun visor and slow down if your view is affected. A clean windscreen can also help reduce glare. 

As mornings and evenings get darker, check that your headlights, brake lights and indicators are working. Use dipped headlights when needed to help you see and be seen, and don’t assume automatic lights will respond appropriately in every situation. 

Headlights are legally required when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see beyond 100 metres. If you use fog lights, switch them off when visibility improves. 

 

7. Give yourself time to prepare 

Check the forecast and your route before leaving, especially for longer journeys. Allow extra time so you can drive at a suitable speed without feeling rushed. 

If heavy rain or flooding is forecast, consider whether you can delay the trip. Keep a charged phone, warm layer, torch and drinking water in the car in case your journey is disrupted. 

If your car has developed a problem, get it checked before a long journey rather than hoping it will resolve itself. 

 

Get your car prepared for the autumn weather 

Unsure whether your tyres are ready for wetter roads? We offer free tyre health checks, with advice on their condition and whether they need replacing. You can find your local branch, here. If your routine service is due, you can also book a car service online. A little preparation now can help you head into autumn with greater confidence.