Nothing makes us think of autumn more than a stunning display of orange, red, and yellow leaves that cover our neighborhood. This means we'll need to spend a couple of hours raking the lawn every Saturday, and that's not all . . . you think? In reality, there's an additional aspect to be aware of in the Fall time. Many people don't know about it, but leaves could cause damage to your vehicle.
Most of the time, the falling 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 damp from the rain, they can stay. If left for over a long period, they will begin to decay and release chemical compounds into your vehicle. They can be composed of pollen, sap, or acid. They can cause negative effects in two ways. They (especially sap) can make the leaves stickier in time, which makes it difficult for you to take them off. When the leaves are gone, if they are not taken care of or cleaned immediately, the residue could create marks on the paint or adhere onto your windshield, causing issues for your wiper blades. The other negative impact is that the chemical can get into your paint and cause marks, spots, and discoloration. So, you could kiss your fresh paint job goodbye if you're allowing the leaves to accumulate over your vehicle for days.
In extreme instances, leaves could begin to decay within the undercarriage, causing stinks and rust. It is crucial to make sure that your leaves aren't blocking 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 your car 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 away from the trees. Naturally, leaves will remain on your vehicle while you drive around. We recommend taking leaves off by hand to avoid scratching the paint. It is also possible to go to the local auto wash about 2 to 3 times more often than you normally do during a 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), there shouldn't be an issue this Fall. Regularly removing leaves as well as car wash and regular maintenance inspections will ensure that your vehicle will be well-maintained and safe all season throughout.