The Problems With Fall Leaves on Your Car
As leaves and sticky tree sap begins to drop and collect on your car, you may notice:
Paint Damage
When wet leaves stick to the outside of your car, they trap moisture that can work its way under the clear coat and in between layers of paint. As the tannins and acids from the leaves eat away at your vehicle's finish, you'll start to notice peeling, bubbling, and discoloration.
Blocked Vents
Matted leaves that get stuck near your windshield wipers can block your car's air intake system, preventing your vehicle from being properly ventilated. This can make your cabin environment uncomfortable and potentially cause your vehicle to overheat and break down.
Increased Allergies
Damp leaves outside your vents can harbor mold and mildew spores that get into the car where they exacerbate allergies and worsen upper respiratory conditions.
The Benefits of Regular Washing and Waxing In Autumn
Consistent washing throughout the fall season has numerous benefits, including:
Preventing Sap From Hardening
Tree sap often falls from trees along with their leaves, sticking tightly to your car and potentially causing permanent damage to the paint. If you can wash this off before it has a chance to harden, you can reduce the risk of long-lasting issues.
Eliminating Excess Debris
Leaves and twigs aren’t the only thing you have to worry about in the fall. Rain can also bring dirt and chemicals that impact your car’s appearance and decrease operating efficiency. Regularly cleaning your car gets rid of any damaging substances and even just a quick rinse after a storm can make a big difference.
Making Future Washes Easier
Waxing your car after a thorough wash can also help prevent sap from sticking. This is because wax creates a barrier between your vehicle’s clear coat and the sap, leaving your paint untouched and making it easier to remove without harsh scrubbing.
Protection and Prevention Strategies
There are also several things you can do to prevent sap and leaves from collecting on your car. Make sure you:
Park In the Right Spots
One of the easiest ways to protect your vehicle from falling leaves is to park in areas where there are fewer trees. Even though parking in the shade can help protect your vehicle from soaring temps and harsh UV rays, this is less important in the fall than it is in the summer.
Invest In a Car Cover
If you don't have access to covered parking, you may want to invest in a well-fitting car cover. While these may seem difficult to lug around with you, they provide superior protection against rain, debris, and sunlight.
Check for Signs of Damage
It's a good idea to regularly inspect your vehicle for signs of damage so they can be addressed as soon as possible. This reduces the risk of problems getting worse or requiring more expensive repairs later on down the road.
With the busiest season of the year starting to pick up, you probably don’t have time to spend hours cleaning your car. At Quick N Clean, we provide a thorough, top-to-bottom wash in minutes, all with free vacuums and towels to make interior maintenance a breeze.
Check out one of our conveniently located automatic car washes near you:
