How to Deal with Leaves on the Car?
3 Answers
Leaves on the car can be cleaned with water or manually removed. Below are the hazards of having leaves on the car: 1. When leaves fall on the car and remain for a long time, they will rot and release some liquid, which can land on the car's glass or paint. The rotting leaves can damage the car's paint. If it's the season for falling leaves, avoid parking the car under trees for extended periods and remember to clean the leaves promptly. 2. If leaves on the windshield are not removed immediately, they can block the drainage outlet below the windshield. The drainage outlet's function is to allow accumulated water on the car to drain, preventing water from entering the engine compartment. Once the drainage outlet is blocked, the accumulated water will gather below the windshield and may enter the engine compartment, potentially causing a short circuit in the car's computer. 3. Leaves can get stuck in the car's air intake, a place that is not easily noticed. Over time, the leaves will rot and deteriorate. If the car's air conditioning is turned on, the air blown out may have an unpleasant odor, especially when the heater is on, creating a very strong odor inside the car.
As a car owner, dealing with fallen leaves accumulating on the car in autumn is quite simple for me. After each parking, I make it a habit to use a soft-bristle brush to sweep leaves off the hood and the area below the windshield, paying special attention to the wipers and drainage channels, as accumulated leaves can easily clog them, leading to rainwater retention and potential rusting of metal parts over time. During routine maintenance, I bring a damp cloth to wipe away residual stains, avoiding the use of hard objects that could scratch the paint. If there are a lot of leaves on the car, I open the doors and use a vacuum cleaner to clean the interior, checking if the floor mats have hidden leaf debris to maintain cleanliness and prevent odors. For prevention, I try to avoid parking under trees whenever possible, and if unavoidable, I use a transparent car cover to prevent leaf accumulation. A thorough cleaning once a month is part of my regular car maintenance routine, saving time and protecting the car’s condition—it’s a standard practice for me.
Having lived in the north for many years, I've learned that leaving leaves on a car can cause significant harm. As they decompose, they can clog the sunroof drainage holes, leading to rainwater seeping into the cabin. At best, this causes dampness and a musty smell; at worst, it can result in electrical short circuits. After each parking, I use a hairdryer on the low setting to quickly blow away the leaves or manually clean the engine compartment and trunk edges with a soft cloth. Prevention is key—I try to park in open areas or use leaf guards to cover the windshield. Additionally, leaves contain acidic substances that can corrode the car's paint. If I notice stubborn stains, I use automotive-specific cleaners to spray and wipe them off instead of scraping them hard. I also pay attention to seasonal changes, increasing inspection frequency in autumn. These practices have saved me many trips to the repair shop and a lot of money. After cleaning, I always scan the area around the car to ensure the drainage is smooth and unobstructed.
