{"id":29170,"date":"2021-10-27T08:49:36","date_gmt":"2021-10-27T08:49:36","guid":{"rendered":" https:\/\/dev.way.com\/blog\/?p=29170"},"modified":"2021-10-27T10:20:58","modified_gmt":"2021-10-27T10:20:58","slug":"protect-your-car-from-falling-leaves-leaf-stains","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.way.com\/journal\/protect-your-car-from-falling-leaves-leaf-stains\/","title":{"rendered":"Falling leaves haunting your car every fall? Well, no more!"},"content":{"rendered":"

With its crisp air and beautiful foliage, fall beckons leaf peepers to enjoy the season’s changing colors. A sea of leaves will soon cover everything, including your car. Thanks to the gorgeous cornucopia of gold-hued tones, fiery reds, and pumpkin-orange hues that have been on display. Autumn leaves can damage your car’s paint if you don’t address them right away.\u00a0 Are you wondering how to protect your car from falling leaves or leaf stains? Well, this is the blog you have been waiting for!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Falling<\/p>\n

Why falling leaves and cars are not buddies<\/h2>\n

So, you’re driving down a country road when you notice a massive pile of dried leaves on the ground. What are you going to do, commit to full-on mode and blow those leaves all over the road? It might be a pretty slow-mo sight, but the issue is that the bottom layer of those leaves is usually coated with water. It acts like glue, bonding directly on top of your car’s paint job.<\/span> \u00a0<\/span>This is the point at which chemical contamination begins.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Let’s be clear: not all tree leaves have the same chemical make-up or composition. The majority of fallen foliage in the USA consists of multiple layers. These layers absorb UV rays and convert them into energy via a chemical process involving Chlorophyll.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>The leaf is an important component of the tree that absorbs CO2. When all of these active ingredients are combined, a process known as photosynthesis converts them into sugar and oxygen.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There is an epidermis layer, similar to human skin, that serves as the outer portion of the leaf that adheres to your vehicle’s paint, windows, headlight covers, and plastic trim. This is the area where a wax substance known as the cuticle is secreted. It’s acidic in nature, and because it’s sticky when activated by water – it bonds to your car’s paint.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>This is when the damage begins because the acids in the leaves of trees such as Oaks, Maples, and Aspens are extremely potent. In fact, studies show that many of the leaf toxins are just as harmful as bird droppings. This is common in sap-producing trees.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When fallen leaves are mixed with water, the corrosion process begins, as the electrolytes aid in the degradation of a paint’s clear coating, as well as the top layer of plastics, rubber, and even glass. If the leaf is left on the vehicle for an extended period of time, it can cause stains that can only be removed through paint correction. Rust will form as a result of continued exposure.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Can falling leaves cause other car problems?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

That would be an unequivocal YES. Leaves are a leading cause of paint damage, window stains, and corrosion on a variety of unprotected plastics and headlight covers. However, leaves on the road reduce traction, which can lead to accidents when turning. This problem is exacerbated when water, snow, and ice are mixed in with the leaves.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fallen leaves will also stick to the front of the vehicle, obstructing the radiator and causing overheating issues with warm water overflowing and causing engine damage. A leaf can also clog your filters, including the air intake, get stuck between your brake calipers and rotors, and even cause steering problems.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to get rid of falling leaves or the stains from your car?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Expect <\/span>to get rid of falling leaves or the stains from your <\/span>car’s surface daily until the trees are leaf-free. You should also plan on increasing your car washing efforts throughout the season. Along with being vigilant about removal, consider the following strategy to keep up with the unbroken cascade of autumn leaves:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n