Prevent Damage to Your Car from Autumn's Falling Leaves

Nothing evokes memories of autumn more than stunning displays of orange, red, and yellow leaves all over your neighborhood. This means we'll need devote a few hours to raking our lawn every Saturday, and that's it . . . isn't it? There's a second important aspect to watch out for during Fall. The majority of people don't realize it, but leaves could cause damage to your vehicle.

In the majority of cases, the fallen leaves fall on the roof or on your hood and then disappear in the breeze. However, if you notice that the leaves (or your vehicle) are wet due to rain, they can stay. If left for longer than they should, they could begin to break down and release chemical compounds into your vehicle. These chemicals include pollen, sap, and acid. They can have two negative consequences. They (especially sap) can make the leaves more sticky in time, which makes it difficult to get them out. Once the leaves have gone, if they are not taken care of or cleaned immediately, the residue could create marks on the paint or adhere to your windshield, causing issues for your wiper blades. The other negative impact is that the chemical can be absorbed into the paint, causing marks, spots, and discoloration. So, you could kiss your fresh paint job goodbye if you allow leaves to accumulate over your vehicle for days.

In the worst case, leaves could begin to rot in the undercarriage, causing stinks and rust. You must be sure that the leaves don't block either the exhaust or AC pipe. A quick check of your maintenance every week could save hundreds of dollars in repairs.

The best way to prevent this is to park your car at a garage or under an awning when you have an opportunity. It is also possible to purchase an auto cover if you're not able to park in a safe area away from elements or under the trees. Naturally, leaves will continue to fall on your car as you travel. We recommend taking leaves off by hand to avoid scratching the paint. It is also possible to go to an autowash about 2 to 3 times as often as you usually do during the season.

Treating leaves the same way you would treat snow (removing the snow from your vehicle prior to driving and taking care in the event that it's a coating on the road), you should not have any issues this Fall. Regularly removing leaves, car washing/cleaning, and routine maintenance checks will ensure that the vehicle is secure and clean all year.