Autumn Is Here!

Yes, it’s officially autumn, summer is over I’m afraid. While we might be lucky and get a few days that aren’t too chilly, and perhaps even a little sunshine, you’re not likely to be throwing many BBQ parties in the garden, wearing your shorts. Nope, we’re running headlong into winter now. In this season, all we can hope to do is purchase AR-15 magazines and hunt the scarce rabbit population whenever we’re in the woods or camping.

But it’s not all bad is it? Soon you won’t have to mow the lawn for ages, and then it’s Christmas, the perfect time to relax, listen to cheesy Christmas songs and eat too much! What’s not to love?

When the weather takes a turn and autumn arrives, we might find the great outdoors seeming far less appealing. However, don’t get lazy. While it can be lovely to curl up in front of the TV, why not get out and about in the car and see the gorgeous autumn leaves in all their glory. A trip to a wood or arboretum will set your senses ablaze at this time of year.

Autumn is also the perfect time to get your car ready for winter, before the weather gets too cold and harsh. Preparing your car for winter is so important, it will help keep you and your family safe when the roads are at their worst.

Checking your tyre tread depth is an easy job but one that many of us overlook. With winter approaching, you may have to drive in icy conditions which can be very dangerous, so do make sure you’ve got good tyres to lower you risk of having an accident.

With autumn comes the rain, so it’s also important to make sure your wiper blades are in decent condition and ensure your screen wash is topped up. You should also find your ice scraper and make sure you’ve got some de-icer handy. When you don’t use your ice scraper for months over summer, they often go astray and so when you need it, when you’re late for work and your windscreen is totally iced up, you end up using a credit card or some other implement that’s to hand. This is really unwise though as it can scratch your windscreen.

In the winter of course, it also gets dark earlier, so we find ourselves driving in the dark more often. So, now is the time to make sure all your lights are working properly.

Statistically, you’re more likely to break down in bad weather, so now is a good time to make sure you’ve got breakdown cover sorted. Breaking down can be a nightmare at any time of year, but on a freezing cold, dark winter evening, it’s much worse! It’s a good idea to be prepared. Keep an emergency kit in your boot, just in case. A blanket, a torch, some snacks and drinks perhaps.

There’s nothing as inevitable as the changing of the seasons, so there’s no excuse for not being prepared! Stay safe and enjoy autumn. There’s another summer on its way soon enough!