Get Out & About & Enjoy The Good Weather!

October has certainly started on a high note this year. With warm, dry and sunny weather across the UK, it feels like we have been given a little extra time to enjoy getting out and about before the clocks change and the evenings start drawing in.

Whether you're planning a day out in the countryside, heading to the coast, visiting family or making the most of the October half-term, it's a great time to get out and enjoy some of the best driving days of the year.

Before you set off, though, it's worth giving your car a quick once-over. A few simple checks can help make sure your car is ready for those longer journeys - particularly if it hasn't been used as much over the summer or you're planning a few extra miles during the school holidays.

Here are 7 things worth checking before your next autumn adventure.

1. Check Your Tyres

A sunny day is perfect for a day trip, but it's still worth checking your tyres before you head off.

Look for:

• Uneven tread wear
• Cracks or visible damage
• Bulges
• Nails or other objects
• Signs of low or uneven pressure

Don't forget to check your tyre pressures, particularly if you're carrying extra passengers or luggage. Your vehicle handbook will tell you the recommended pressures for different loads.

Good tyres help your car handle properly, brake effectively and maintain grip when you inevitably encounter a wet patch of road.

2. Check Your Lights

The days might still be bright, but the evenings are getting noticeably shorter.

If you're heading off for a day out, you may find yourself driving home after sunset, so make sure your lights are all working:

• Headlights
• Brake lights
• Indicators
• Rear lights
• Fog lights
• Reversing lights

It's also worth giving the lenses a quick clean if they're covered in dirt or road grime.

3. Don't Forget Your Windscreen

After weeks of relatively dry weather, your windscreen might not have seen much action from the wipers.

Check that your wipers are still clearing the screen properly and aren't leaving streaks or smears.

It's also worth checking your screen wash level before setting off on a longer journey. Autumn can bring plenty of low sun, road spray and the occasional shower - none of which make for great visibility.

And if you've picked up a small windscreen chip during the summer, now is a good time to get it checked before it develops into something bigger.

4. Check Your Fluids

Before a longer journey, take a few minutes to check the basics.

Depending on your vehicle, this could include:

• Engine oil
• Coolant
• Screen wash
• Brake fluid

If you're unsure what you should be checking or where the relevant reservoirs are, your vehicle handbook will provide guidance.

And remember - never remove a coolant cap when the engine is hot.

5. Give the Battery Some Thought

If your car has been starting reliably, you might not give the battery much thought.

But if you've noticed that the engine is taking slightly longer to start, the lights seem dimmer or you've had an occasional warning light, don't ignore it before heading off on a longer journey.

A battery problem is inconvenient at any time, but discovering it in a car park several miles from home isn't the ideal way to finish a lovely day out!

6. Make Sure Your Brakes Feel Right

You don't need to be a mechanic to notice when something doesn't feel quite right with your brakes.

Pay attention to:

• Squealing or grinding
• Vibration when braking
• The car pulling to one side
• A brake pedal that feels different
• Any brake warning lights

If you've noticed something unusual, get it checked before embarking on a longer journey.

7. Give Your Car a Quick General Check

Finally, take a look around the car before you set off.

Check that:

• Your number plates are clean and visible
• Your lights are clean
• Your mirrors are correctly adjusted
• Your windscreen is free from significant damage
• Your fuel or EV charge is sufficient for the journey
• Your spare wheel or tyre repair kit is present, if applicable

And if you're heading off for the day with the family, don't forget the screen wash, phone chargers and snacks - they're not technically car maintenance, but they can make a long journey considerably more enjoyable!

Make the Most of October

With the clocks not changing until the end of the month, there's still plenty of opportunity to make the most of the lighter evenings and unusually warm weather.

Whether you're heading out for a weekend away or taking the family somewhere special during half-term, a few simple checks can help make sure your car is ready for the journey.

And if something doesn't feel quite right, Foster & Heanes is here to help.

Our experienced teams in Fleet and Dogmersfield provide MOTs, servicing, diagnostics and repairs for all makes and models, including electric vehicles.

Call us on 01252 615657.

Check the car, pack the bags and enjoy the drive!