Prevent Damage To Your Car From Autumn's Falling Leaves

Nothing makes us think of autumn more than the stunning display of orange, red, and yellow leaves all over our neighborhood. Naturally, it means we'll need to spend a couple of hours raking our yard each Saturday, and that's it . . . isn't it? There's a second important aspect to watch out for in the fall time. The majority of people don't realize it, but leaves could cause harm to your vehicle.

In the majority of cases, most of the falling leaves will fall onto the roof or on your hood and then fly away in the winds. However, if you notice that the leaves (or your vehicle) are damp from the rain, they can remain. If left for longer than they should, they could begin to decay and release harmful chemicals on your car. They can be composed of pollen, sap, or acid. They are negative in two ways. First, they (especially sap) can make the leaves stickier as time passes, which makes it difficult to get them out. When the leaves are gone, if they're not cleaned or removed as soon as possible, the residue may cause marks to your paint or adhere to your windshield, causing problems for your wipers. Another negative side effect 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're allowing the leaves to gather on your car for days.

In extreme instances, leaves could begin to rot in your undercarriage, which can lead to the formation of rust and unpleasant odors. It is crucial to make sure that the leaves don't block either the exhaust or AC pipe. A simple check-up every week could cost hundreds of dollars in repairs.

The best method of preventing this is to park inside a garage under an awning when you have an opportunity. It is also possible to purchase an automobile cover in case you're unable to secure your car from the elements or under the trees. Naturally, leaves will remain on your vehicle while you drive around, so we recommend taking leaves off by hand so as to prevent scratching the paint. You may also want to stop by the local auto wash about 2 to 3 times as often as you usually do during the season.

If you treat leaves as you would treat snow (removing the debris from your car before you travel and taking care when it's covering the road), you should not have an issue this fall. Regularly removing leaves as well as car wash and regular maintenance inspections will ensure that your vehicle will be secure and clean all year throughout.