October brings shorter days, fog and the first frosts. A few simple steps will help you avoid nasty surprises on the road.

October is the ideal time to get your car ready for the tougher autumn and winter driving ahead. Temperatures are dropping, roads are often wet or foggy, and the days are getting shorter fast. A few hours of care now can save you worry and money later.

Don't leave your tyres until the last minute

Once temperatures drop below 7°C, summer tyres lose grip and braking distances get longer. It's best to fit winter or all-season tyres before the frosts set in, not after the first snowfall. Check the tread depth too – below 4 mm, a tyre's performance drops noticeably on wet and snowy roads.

Battery and cold starts

Cold mornings are tough on a car battery, especially one over three years old. If your car is starting poorly or you're noticing electrical glitches, get the battery tested before the first frosts hit. On used cars from our stock, the battery condition is always part of our inspection, so you know exactly what you're getting.

Lights, wipers and fluids

With shorter days, you'll spend more time driving in low light or darkness – so check that all your lights are working, including the fog lights. Wiper blades often wear out over summer, and streaking reduces visibility in the rain, so it's worth replacing them. Don't forget the antifreeze screen wash either, so the jets don't freeze up as soon as temperatures drop.

Air conditioning and heating help more in winter than you'd think

Air conditioning isn't just for summer – in winter, it helps demist your windows faster and reduces moisture inside the cabin. If your heating isn't performing as it should, it could be air in the system or a worn thermostat. It's worth having it checked before the really cold days arrive.

Tip from our current stock

If you're thinking about changing your car this autumn, the Škoda Octavia 2.0 TDI Combi from 2023, Czech-origin, at 278,000 Kč is well worth a look – a reliable diesel ideal for longer winter journeys. For families with slightly smaller space requirements, the Hyundai i30 Combi 1.0 T-Gdi at 175,000 Kč is also an interesting choice.

To sum up

An autumn service check needn't take long, but the difference in safety and comfort is noticeable. Every car with us goes through a Cebia check and comes with a warranty, so you can head into winter driving with confidence. And if you're not sure what to choose, we're happy to advise you in person at our car dealership in Olomouc.