Drivers are being urged to clean their windscreens with a diluted vinegar solution this Friday to reduce glare, as the Met Office forecasts widespread sunshine that could create hazardous low-light conditions.
With mornings and evenings growing darker across the UK, commuters face potentially risky journeys. An expert has shared a simple 95p tip to improve visibility on glary roads.
Sunny forecast brings low-light risk
The Met Office predicts widespread sunshine on Friday (October 2), with sunny conditions in the morning and early evening. This could lead to low light, which may impact driving conditions on certain roads.
In London, the forecast suggests a shift from "clear night" to "sunny day" at around 7am, a time when many Brits may be driving to work and could be hit by glare.
Expert's 95p vinegar solution
Alexander Haraldsson, cold driving expert and CEO of Lotus Car Rental, said: "Because the autumn sun sits much lower in the sky, drivers often experience glare during peak morning and evening commuting hours. To lessen this glare, clean your windscreen thoroughly both inside and out, as any waxy build-up or film will intensify it."
He added: "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. Additionally, replace any smearing wiper blades, keep a pair of sunglasses in your glovebox, and lower your sun visor early."
Night driving and fog safety tips
Mr Haraldsson also advised: "Always ensure you’ve switched to dipped headlights as dusk approaches; daytime running lights usually don't illuminate the rear of your vehicle, making you invisible to drivers behind."
He continued: "To overtake slow-moving traffic safely at night, keep your headlights dipped until you have passed. Only switch to main beam when safe, so you don't dazzle other road users."
He added: "When visibility is below 100 metres, use your front and rear fog lights. Don’t use high beams, as the thick mist reflects the light straight back into your eyes, making visibility worse. Turn fog lights off as soon as conditions clear so you don't dazzle drivers behind, and never rely on automatic headlights, as they rarely detect daytime fog."