Kimber Creek Ford Official Blog

Unless you plan to keep your car tucked safely in your garage and out of the elements, there are challenges to keeping it protected in practically every environment and season – including fall! Thanks to leaves collecting on your roof, on your hood, and even in your engine, they can have a negative impact on the health and appearance of your vehicle. Prevent damage to your exterior paint and engine systems with the following tips and tricks.

[Read More: Why is my gas mileage lower in winter?]

Prevent Damage To Your Vehicle From Falling Leaves With These Tips and Tricks

Park In The Garage – Whenever possible, park where there is cover like in a garage or under a car park. If no cover is possible, try to park somewhere free of trees or under a tree that has already lost its leaves.

Remove Leaves Daily – One of the best things you can do to prevent damage to your paint is to remove fallen leaves from your car daily. Take a few minutes at the end of each day to pick up the leaves so they don’t get lodged under your hood or in other problem areas. Be sure to clean the leaves off with your hands as blowing them off or brushing with a broom could cause scratches or damage.

Regular Washes – In addition to cleaning the leaves off of your car each day, regular washes during the fall months will help to keep your car free of sap, pollen, dirt and other residue that the leaves leave behind. When the season is over, give your car another thorough wash and end with a wax to keep everything protected throughout the winter.

[Read More: Here’s why you should buy a truck bed cover]

Removing Stains From Car Paint

If you take the time to regularly clean your car of falling leaves, the chances of a stain from a leaf are slim. However, if the leaves are left for a long period of time it is possible. The process for cleaning a stain from a leaf is the same as cleaning any other stain on your vehicle’s exterior. Start with gentle cleaning methods and work your way up from there until you find a solution.

First, start with a regular cleaning with soap and water. If that doesn’t take care of the problem, invest in a specialty cleaning product specifically formulated to remove stains from car paint. In extreme cases, owners may need to seek out professional help that could involve a new paint job. Before you get started, be sure you have the right tools for the job. Don’t use any abrasive materials to scrub your paint or you could be adding to the damage.

You know someone that would like this...

More from Kimber Creek Ford:

Where Can I Get My Vehicle Serviced in Pine River, Minnesota?

Where can I go camping in Central Minnesota?