As the leaves start to fall and the mornings get chillier, it’s the perfect time to give your car a little extra attention. Autumn brings unpredictable weather, darker evenings, and the lead-up to winter — all of which can put your vehicle to the test.
Whether you’ve got a personal lease car or manage a business fleet, autumn car maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple seasonal car checks and good habits, you can keep your car running smoothly and avoid costly surprises later on.
Why Autumn Maintenance Matters
Autumn is a transitional season — and your car feels it too. The shift from warm summer roads to cold, wet, and leaf-covered surfaces can affect everything from tyre grip to battery performance.
Here’s why autumn car servicing is so important:
- Lower temperatures affect tyre pressure and battery life
- Wet roads and fallen leaves reduce traction
- Shorter daylight hours mean more reliance on lights and wipers
- Sudden weather shifts can expose hidden wear and tear
Doing a few easy seasonal checks now will help you feel more confident as winter approaches — and cut down the risk of unexpected breakdowns or delays.
Simple Autumn Car Maintenance Checklist
You don’t need to be a mechanic to keep your car in great shape. This car maintenance checklist will cover the basics to get your lease car ready for the colder months.
Tyres
Check tread depth (the legal minimum is 1.6mm, but 3mm gives a safer grip in wet conditions). Cold weather lowers tyre pressure, so top up if needed. If you lease with us, our maintenance packages even cover tyre replacement — saving you the worry.
Battery
Colder weather puts strain on older batteries. If your lights flicker or the car struggles to start, it might be time for a check. Many garages offer free battery tests, or you can have this included with your servicing if you’ve chosen a lease with maintenance.
Lights
With darker evenings, visibility matters. Walk around your car and check every light — headlights, brake lights, and indicators. Replace any blown bulbs and give the lenses a quick clean.
Wipers & Washer Fluid
Clear visibility is key when the rain sets in. Replace wiper blades if they’re streaking, and make sure washer fluid is topped up with a winter-grade mix so it doesn’t freeze.
Heating & Demisters
Test your heater and windscreen demisters before you actually need them. Fogged-up windows are a safety hazard on damp mornings, and it’s better to fix any issues early.
Oil & Coolant
Check levels and top up if necessary. Look out for leaks under the car too. If it’s been a while since your last service, autumn is a smart time to get one booked.
Common Questions About Seasonal Car Checks
Do I need a full service in autumn?
Not always — but a seasonal car check can be a smart idea. It usually covers tyres, fluids, lights, and battery health, giving peace of mind before winter sets in.
Can I do these checks myself?
Yes, most of them are simple. Tyres, lights, and fluids take only a few minutes to look over. For anything more technical, a garage visit is worthwhile.
Does leasing include maintenance?
It can! Many of our lease deals let you add a maintenance package which covers servicing, tyres, and breakdown cover. It’s a simple way to spread the cost and avoid unexpected bills — especially useful as we head into colder months.
What if I drive an EV?
Electric vehicles need the same autumn maintenance checks for tyres, brakes, lights, and wipers. Batteries can be affected by colder weather too, which may slightly reduce range. For more information, explore our electric car leasing deals.
Keep It Simple with Lease Car Maintenance
Seasonal car servicing can sound like a chore, but leasing makes it much easier to keep on top of things. You don’t have to worry about long-term wear and tear, because at the end of your contract you simply hand the car back and switch to something new. Add in a maintenance-inclusive lease deal, and even tyres and servicing are taken care of.
Get Autumn-Ready with Car Leasing Made Simple
Autumn is a great time to get into a new lease car — and with so many deals in stock right now, you can be driving something reliable before winter begins. Whether you need a city-friendly hatchback, a family SUV, or an EV, we’ve got options to suit every lifestyle. 👉 Take a look at our latest personal car lease deals or browse electric car offers and get ready for the season ahead.