Summer can be surprisingly demanding on your car.
Long motorway journeys, family holidays, heavier loads, hot weather and thousands of extra miles can all take their toll.
Then, almost without warning, the conditions change.
Days get shorter. Roads get wetter. Temperatures start dropping. Your headlights and windscreen wipers get used more often, and components such as your tyres, brakes and battery become increasingly important.
That's why the end of summer is a useful time to give your car a quick check.
You don't necessarily need to book your car into a garage simply because autumn is approaching. But spending a little time checking a few key areas now could help you spot problems before they become more inconvenient — or expensive.
Here are some of the most important things to check.
Your tyres are one of the most important things to inspect as we head towards wetter weather.
Start by checking the tread across each tyre.
The legal minimum tread depth for cars in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around its entire circumference.
However, don't only think about whether your tyres are technically legal.
Look for:
You should also check your tyre pressures against the manufacturer's recommended figures.
If one tyre is wearing significantly faster on one side than the other, there could also be an issue with the vehicle's wheel alignment or suspension.
With wetter roads becoming more common during autumn, having tyres in good condition becomes increasingly important.
Your brakes should obviously work properly throughout the year, but the end of summer is a sensible opportunity to pay attention to any signs that something isn't quite right.
Warning signs can include:
Brake pads and discs gradually wear with use, so a car that has covered significant mileage over the summer may be closer to needing replacement than it was a few months ago.
If you think your brakes may be approaching replacement, read our guide to Brake Pad Replacement Cost UK to understand the common signs of worn brake pads and what replacement can cost.
Don't wait for a grinding noise before having a suspected brake problem investigated.
Grinding can indicate that a brake pad has worn significantly, potentially causing additional damage.
Most motorists associate battery problems with winter.
But your battery doesn't suddenly become weak when December arrives.
A battery may already have deteriorated considerably before colder weather exposes the problem.
Signs of a struggling battery can include:
If your battery is several years old or you've noticed the car becoming more reluctant to start, getting the battery tested before colder weather arrives could save you from discovering the problem on a dark morning when the car won't start.
If your battery is showing signs of deterioration, our Car Battery Replacement Cost UK guide explains typical replacement costs and when a new battery may be needed.
When was the last time you properly looked at your wiper blades?
They can easily be overlooked during dry summer weather.
Heat, sunlight and general wear can cause the rubber to deteriorate, and the problem often only becomes obvious when you're driving through heavy rain.
Run your wipers and look for:
If the blades aren't clearing the windscreen properly, consider replacing them before autumn brings more frequent rain.
And don't forget the rear wiper if your car has one.
While you're checking the wipers, check the screenwash too.
It sounds incredibly basic, but good visibility becomes even more important as the weather deteriorates.
Make sure the reservoir is sufficiently topped up and test both the front and rear washers.
If one isn't working correctly, don't automatically assume you've run out of screenwash.
A blocked washer jet, damaged hose, failed pump or other fault could also be responsible.
As temperatures begin to fall, make sure you're using a suitable screenwash mixture rather than relying on plain water.
During summer, you can go weeks barely noticing your headlights.
By autumn, that changes quickly.
Shorter days and darker mornings mean you'll increasingly rely on your vehicle's lights.
Take a few minutes to check:
You may need somebody to help you check the brake lights, or you can use a reflection from a wall or window where appropriate.
If a bulb has failed, don't leave it until your next MOT.
Being able to see — and be seen — is far more important than simply passing the test.
Coolant doesn't only prevent your engine from getting too hot.
The correct coolant mixture also provides protection as temperatures fall.
Check the coolant level when the engine is completely cold and make sure it sits between the appropriate minimum and maximum markings.
Never remove a pressurised coolant cap from a hot engine.
Also look for signs that coolant is disappearing.
If you're repeatedly topping it up, there's a visible leak, or your engine is running hotter than normal, the vehicle should be investigated rather than simply continuing to add coolant.
An overheating engine can lead to significantly more expensive problems if the underlying cause isn't addressed.
If your temperature gauge is climbing or you've noticed other signs of excessive engine temperature, read Why Is My Car Overheating? for some of the common causes.
Air conditioning isn't just for hot summer afternoons.
It's also extremely useful when autumn arrives.
Your car's air conditioning system can help remove moisture from the cabin, making it easier to demist the windscreen and windows.
Try the system now.
Does it still produce cold air?
Does airflow seem weak?
Are there unusual smells?
Does the windscreen take an unusually long time to clear?
If the air conditioning struggled through the summer, now could be a good time to have the system checked rather than forgetting about it until the next heatwave.
If your air conditioning is no longer getting properly cold, read our guide to Air Conditioning Recharge Cost UK to learn when a regas may be required and what it typically costs.
It's worth taking a few minutes to check the basic fluid levels under the bonnet.
Depending on the vehicle, this can include:
Your owner's manual should explain which checks you can perform yourself and the correct specifications for your vehicle.
If your engine oil is consistently dropping, don't simply keep topping it up indefinitely without finding out why.
Some oil consumption can be normal depending on the vehicle, but significant or sudden changes deserve attention.
If your car covered a lot of miles during the summer, check when its next service is due.
Servicing isn't the same thing as an MOT.
An MOT primarily checks whether the vehicle meets minimum roadworthiness and environmental standards at the time of the test.
A service is preventative maintenance.
Depending on the service level and vehicle, a garage may inspect or replace items such as the engine oil, oil filter, air filter and other components while carrying out a wider vehicle inspection.
If you can't remember when your car was last serviced, check the service history, vehicle documentation or manufacturer's recommended servicing schedule.
If your next service is approaching, our Car Service Cost UK 2026 guide explains typical servicing costs and what can affect the price.
Not sure which type of service your car needs? Read Minor vs Major Car Service for a breakdown of the differences.
It's surprisingly easy to lose track of your MOT date.
And unlike some other maintenance jobs, forgetting about it can cause a much more immediate problem.
Check the expiry date now rather than waiting for a warning or suddenly realising it's due next week.
Not sure when yours expires? Our Check MOT Status Online guide explains how to check your car's current MOT status and expiry date.
If your MOT is approaching, booking early can also give you more flexibility over the garage and appointment time you choose.
It's particularly useful if your MOT and service are due around the same time, as you may be able to arrange both during the same garage visit.
If your test is approaching, you can also work through our MOT Checklist before taking your car to the garage.
Finally, think about the little things you've noticed over the last few months.
Perhaps there's been an occasional warning light.
A knocking noise over bumps.
A slight vibration.
A slow puncture.
A strange noise when braking.
Air conditioning that isn't as cold as it used to be.
Or a garage may have previously advised you that something would need attention in the future.
These problems don't necessarily mean something serious is wrong.
But if you've been saying “I'll get that looked at eventually” all summer, now might be a good time to do it.
A relatively small issue is often easier to deal with before it develops into something more significant.
If it's the engine management light you've noticed, read What It Means When Your Engine Management Light Is On before ignoring it.
Not necessarily.
If your car is properly maintained, recently serviced and showing no signs of problems, there's no reason to book it into a garage purely because summer has ended.
Many of the checks we've covered can be carried out at home.
However, consider getting professional advice if:
The objective isn't to find unnecessary work.
It's to identify genuine maintenance requirements before colder, wetter and darker conditions make an existing problem more noticeable.
The transition from summer into autumn is a natural opportunity to check your car.
You don't need to dismantle anything or be mechanically minded.
Start with the basics:
Tyres. Brakes. Battery. Wipers. Lights. Fluids. Servicing. MOT.
And pay attention to anything your car has been trying to tell you.
If something doesn't seem right, dealing with it now could be much easier than discovering the problem on a wet, dark morning later in the year.
What car maintenance should I do at the end of summer?
Check your tyres, brakes, battery, windscreen wipers, screenwash, lights, coolant and other fluid levels. It's also worth checking when your next service and MOT are due and dealing with any problems you've noticed over the summer.
Why should I check my battery before winter?
Colder conditions can expose an already weakened battery. If the engine is becoming slower to start or your battery is several years old, testing it before winter can help identify deterioration before the car fails to start.
Should I check my tyres before autumn?
Yes. Wetter roads make tyre condition particularly important. Check tread depth, tyre pressure and look for uneven wear, cracking, cuts or bulges.
Do I still need air conditioning in autumn?
Yes. Air conditioning isn't only useful for cooling the car. It can also help remove moisture from the cabin and demist windows during colder, wetter weather.
Is an MOT the same as a car service?
No. An MOT assesses specific safety and environmental requirements, while servicing involves preventative maintenance based on the vehicle's servicing schedule. A car can pass an MOT and still be due a service.
Should I service my car before winter?
You don't automatically need a service simply because winter is approaching. However, if your car is due or overdue a service, completing it before colder weather arrives can be sensible.
If your car needs an MOT, service or repair, Compare Repair can help you compare available garage services and book online.
Whether you're preparing your car for autumn or dealing with a problem you've noticed over the summer, you can find garage services for everything from MOTs and servicing to brakes, batteries, diagnostics and air conditioning.
Compare. Book. Repair.
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