Car experts have warned motorists of five essential checks they must carry out ahead of driving this autumn.

Not carrying out these checks could result in significant safety risks and also lead to fines of up to £3,500 as well as points on your driving licence.

The warning comes as colder weather and darker driving conditions will start to pose serious hazards on the road.

John Woosey, Founder of Ripe Motorhome Insurance, recommended drivers carry out the following checks.

Check the tyre pressure and tread

One of the biggest risks to motorists during autumn is falling leaves which, when mixed with rainfall, can quickly build up on the road and create a slippery surface. Add to this a seasonal frost and even snowfall on higher ground – both of which will rapidly degrade driving conditions. It’s therefore vital to ensure that your tyres are fully prepared for the months ahead by checking the tread depth and inflating them to the correct pressure.

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm for cars up to 3,500kg, to avoid risks such as slower braking, aquaplaning and difficulty gaining traction. However, 3mm is preferable for autumn and winter driving. Any less than this and your tyres may be unsafe - so it’s time to replace them.

Under-inflated tyres can cause your car to handle poorly in adverse conditions, or even fail completely. You can easily pump your tyres at a garage or fuel station.

If you are stopped by the police and found with illegal tyres, you could receive a £2,500 fine and 3 penalty points per tyre. 

Clean the wiper blades and refill screenwash

Alongside falling leaves, dirty water spray from the road can cause your windscreen to become grimy quickly, which will impede visibility.

To avoid obscuring your vision, you should ensure your vehicle’s screenwash is topped up regularly. You can also easily clean your wiper blades at home using warm, soapy water and a soft cloth to avoid smears across the glass.

A dirty windscreen is not just annoying – it can cost you. Not having a full view of the road and traffic ahead can lead to a £1,000 fine and 3 penalty points.

Change the engine oil

Changing your car's oil regularly helps to keep your engine clean by removing dirt and residue that builds up over time. Doing so in autumn will help prepare your engine for the colder season, when a breakdown is particularly unpleasant. It will also improve your fuel efficiency and overall performance.

Many car manufacturers recommend changing your oil every 5,000 miles or every three to six months, whichever comes first.

Check all lights are working

Dark and foggy conditions are par for the course when it comes to autumn driving – so having fully operational lights is even more important than usual. Checks can be easily carried out at home, but you should ask someone for help to ensure you cover everything thoroughly.

Firstly, check your headlights are working on both low and high beams. Have someone press the brake pedal while you check that the brake lights are working. You should also check your signal, fog and hazard lights, and clean the covers.

If needed, you may be able to change the bulbs yourself but consider booking into a garage if you don’t have previous experience.

If you’re caught driving without working lights, you can expect a fixed penalty notice of £60 and three points on your licence. Your car may even be taken off the road.

Recharge or replace the battery

Ask any motorist - a car battery failure at any time of the year is a painful experience. But as we come into the colder, darker months, a roadside breakdown will be even more unwelcome. In most modern vehicles, the dashboard battery warning light will come on when the battery needs charging. However, it is well worth checking before it gets to this stage.

If your battery is 4-5 years old, you should consider replacing it completely as it may be nearing the end of its life.