Cold-weather motoring specialists at Iceland-based Lotus Car Rental have issued six recommendations to help UK drivers navigate autumn conditions, including a 95p vinegar trick to cut windscreen glare. The advice from Alexander Haraldsson, cold driving specialist and CEO of Lotus Car Rental, covers dim lighting, sun dazzle, and slick road surfaces as nights draw in and rain falls.
Dipped headlights and vinegar for glare
Haraldsson advises switching to dipped headlights as dusk approaches, noting that daytime running lights usually do not illuminate the rear of a vehicle, making it invisible to drivers behind. He recommends keeping headlights dipped when overtaking slow-moving traffic at night, only switching to main beam when safe to avoid dazzling other road users.
Because the autumn sun sits lower in the sky, motorists often face glare during morning and evening rush hours. Cleaning the windscreen thoroughly inside and out reduces this dazzle, as waxy residue or coating amplifies it. “Using a diluted vinegar solution and a microfibre cloth is a simple, cost-effective way to do this; purchasing both will set you back as little as 95p,” he says. Replacing smearing wiper blades, keeping sunglasses in the glovebox, and lowering the sun visor early are also advised.
De-misting and wet leaves
Windows can mist up quickly as temperatures fall and rainfall increases. Haraldsson advises switching on air conditioning alongside heaters, as A/C acts as a dehumidifier to clear misted glass in half the time. He cites Rule 229 of the Highway Code, which requires clearing all glass and mirrors before setting off, warning that driving with obscured vision can result in a £1,000 fine and three penalty points.
Wet leaves can be as treacherous as black ice, he says. Tyre tread depth should be well above the minimum legal limit of 1.6mm to disperse standing water and leaves and maintain grip. Drivers should reduce speed, avoid sudden braking, and double their stopping distance on wet and leaf-covered surfaces, while remaining cautious of covered road markings and potholes.
Fog lights and aquaplaning
When visibility drops below 100 metres, Haraldsson advises switching on both front and rear fog lights. High beams should not be used, as thick mist reflects the light straight back into the driver's eyes, worsening visibility. Fog lights should be turned off as soon as conditions clear to avoid dazzling drivers behind, and automatic headlights should not be relied upon, as they rarely detect daytime fog.
If steering becomes unresponsive while driving through heavy rainfall or puddles, Haraldsson warns against slamming on the brakes or yanking the wheel sharply, which could cause loss of control. Instead, drivers should ease off the accelerator, keep the steering wheel straight, and let the tyres regain grip naturally. To navigate unavoidable standing water safely, he advises driving slowly in a low gear while keeping engine revs high to stop water entering the exhaust.
