Driving in autumn presents challenges that differ to other seasons.
Following a British summer in which the sun actually shone and the nation made the most of soaring temperatures, the arrival of autumnal weather means things are getting back to normal and we're having to pack scarves rather than sunscreen.
But the more unsettled weather does not only affect what we have to wear – for us motorists, it can mean significant changes to the way we drive and how we prepare for journeys. While the main challenges during summer months were being uncomfortably hot and dealing with the glare of the sun, autumn presents the prospect of heavy rain, high winds and leaves on the road.
Peter Rodger, chief examiner with the Institute of Advanced Motorists has taken this on board and come up with a number of tips to make sure you are able to navigate the roads safely as conditions begin to worsen.
He stated: "Remember that leaves can be slippery, especially when wet, so avoid hard acceleration or braking as it can cause skidding.
"Be aware that there may be a dip, pothole or other road hazard hiding under the leaves covering the road and hold the wheel firmly if you must drive over them."
The expert recommended you should always make sure your windscreens are clear before hitting the road – and this is particularly important in autumn when the likelihood of condensation or ice build-up is greater.
While leaves might not seem like much of an obstacle for drivers, a patch of wet ones can prove deceivably slippery and going over them might see you briefly losing control of your vehicle. According to Mr Rodger, driving through a pile of wet leaves can be just as dangerous as hitting standing water.
Your wiper blades will see lots more use when the rain begins to pour, so it's important you make sure these are always in good condition. One way to tell if wiper blades need replacing is to listen out for them squeaking. If they do so loudly and often, it's probably about time you get some new ones.
By Perry Murray