Autumn lights up the landscape with rich-colored foliage, but these fall favorites have a dark side. Falling leaves and other seasonal debris can damage vehicles and lead to other road hazards. Learn how to protect your car from falling leaves and debris this season.

Roadside Hazards in the Fall

Driving through an area with trees showing off shades of yellow, orange, and red may be picturesque, but it can also be dangerous. Add wind and rain, and these leaves can become a hazard.

• Blustering leaves limit visibility and can stick to your windows
• Wet leaves create slippery patches on the road
• Leaves clogging drains can cause flash flooding in a storm
• A pile of leaves may cover a pothole or curb that you won’t see until it’s too late.

You can do your part by making sure you clean off any leaves from your car, sidewalk, or nearby storm drain to help improve visibility and road safety.

Protecting Your Car from Falling Leaves and Debris

Leaves aren’t the only culprits to watch out for this season.

• Walnuts also fall from trees and can ping your car roof with its heavy shell.
• Birds and squirrels are more active, leaving their food scraps and droppings around anything parked under a tree.
• Dust, pollen, and sap are also problems in the fall and can coat the car’s exterior with a sticky film.

Keeping your car clean not only helps improve visibility, but it can help keep the engine running more efficiently without debris under the hood or clogging the air filter. Here are some ways you can help protect your car in the fall:

1. Park away from trees. If possible, park in a garage, under a carport, or use a cover.
2. Remove leaves from your car as soon as possible so they don’t leave stains or harmful debris.
3. Regularly check under the hood and remove any debris.
4. Check your air filter and replace when necessary.
5. Wash your car regularly to remove leaves, dust, pollen, sap, and other residue.
6. Apply wax to protect the exterior from dirt, debris, and the sun.

Keeping your car clean helps protect it from the inside out. The car care specialists at SPA Car Wash not only understand the importance of a clean car, but as locals to the area, we know to look out for leaves.

Let SPA Car Wash Clean Your Car this Season

From our soft cloth wash packages to our expert detailing services, we can get your vehicle leaf and debris-free in no time. Let us help you protect your car’s pristine paint job with a weather-resistant shield and wax coat. Since the interior is just as important, all of our wash packages include vacuuming and window cleaning. Visit SPA Car Wash today and enjoy the beauty of the season as you cruise in your clean car.