Welcome to Pumpkin spice-flavored everything season! The leaves are starting to change colors and fall, creating a nice ambiance for spooky season. They seem innocent, but are a persistent source of horror for your car. They can do a lot of damage. 

Leaves can cause substantial car damage 

Look up towards the tree tops! Leaves are starting to change colors as trees are beginning to shed them. They might pile up around your car for a pretty, seasonal look. 

However, that look isn’t exactly safe. Kazimieras Urbanas, Supplier Excellence Manager at Ovoko, a large used vehicle parts marketplace, said most people think winter weather is the biggest seasonal risk to cars.

However, autumn leaves actually cause more damage. For example, they can block drainage holes and ventilation systems that are crucial for sending water and moisture away from parts that shouldn’t get wet. 

Recently, I took a turn in my 1991 Ford Ranger, and water came flooding out of the glove box, soaking the pristine red carpet. (My truck has 38,000 miles on it; it’s a unicorn find.) 

I popped the hood, removed a massive pile of leaves and debris from the cowl system and drains. I haven’t had the same problem since. 

Anyways, the trapped water can seep into electrical systems and cause faults that might not be detected until weeks later. 

Plus, as leaves decompose, they release acids that permanently stain and corrode paint. The damage may start off as dull with slight discoloration. But it gets worse over time as the outlines of leaves cause severe paint damage. 

Moisture may get trapped under the leaves, creating the perfect environment to build up rust. This is especially dangerous around the wheel arches and bodywork joints. 

Protect your truck, SUV, or car by cleaning off the leaves each week. Check around the drainage areas and don’t forget to sweep under the chassis. 

Next, apply a protective coat of car wax to create a barrier against acidic leaf residue. You can also invest in a breathable car cover to stop leaves from settling on your ride. 

Last but not least, consider parking in a smarter spot. Don’t park under trees during the peak of the season to significantly reduce the amount of debris that lands on your vehicle.