Driving in autumn

In autumn, weather conditions change. Drivers need to be able to adapt to this. What specific precautions should you take when driving in autumn?

In autumn, driving conditions change quickly: reduced daylight, wet roads, fog and dead leaves all call for greater vigilance. In this article, discover a few practical tips and adopt the right habits to drive safely during this season.

Light levels change

Days get shorter, and the sun's brightness decreases.
So it's all about "seeing well" and "being seen":

• Your headlights: Make sure your vehicle's headlights are in order (properly adjusted) and in good working condition. Car bulbs often bear the brunt of the first cold, wet spells. Have them replaced as soon as they stop working. Turn on your headlights as soon as daylight decreases or when driving conditions are poor (morning mist, fog, rain, storms, etc.).
• Low, blinding sun can be extremely annoying, even dangerous, for drivers. Keep sunglasses close at hand.
• Seeing others: Be alert to other road users (cars, motorbikes, bicycles, pedestrians) who are less visible at this time of year. Accident statistics show that autumn months involve the most accidents due to lack of visibility. It's therefore also essential for (motor)cyclists and pedestrians using public roads to make themselves seen by drivers and to wear reflective clothing. This rule is particularly important for schoolchildren on their way to school.
• Clean windows: Regularly clean your windows, both inside (condensation, wiper marks) and outside (windows dirtied by weather conditions). Don't set off until your view through your windows is perfect, including the side windows. Check the condition of your wipers.

Weather conditions change

• Cold, damp weather can create fog. If this happens, keep your distance and turn on your fog lights. Read our article on this topic, "How to properly use fog lights?"
• Driving: If you're driving on roads covered with dead leaves, be careful and keep a safe distance here too (e.g. on a motorway, a distance of 2 to 3 seconds from the vehicle ahead of you), especially in wet weather. Sudden braking on a layer of wet, dead leaves can easily lead to an uncontrollable skid. Watch out for aquaplaning in rainy weather.

Winter is approaching

Is your car ready?

• Have you checked the condition of your tyres (inflation, wear)? Have you thought about switching your summer tyres for winter tyres?
• Don't forget to prepare your vehicle for the cold season and carry out the necessary checks and servicing before the depths of winter set in (the condition of your battery, brakes, coolant, antifreeze, etc.).

First published: 09/2016 - Updated: 09/2025