2 Essential Fall Car Care Tips: Protect Your Paint and Clear Those Leaves

As the crisp autumn air sets in, it’s time to talk about the two things you should prioritize for your car’s health: leaf removal and protecting your paint.

Why Leaf Removal is a Must

Dead leaves are notorious for leaving stubborn stains on your car’s paint. These acid-ridden leaves can wreak havoc on your car’s exterior, and the longer they sit, the harder they are to remove. Scrubbing away at the stains with regular car soap might get the job done, but it’s still a chore you’d rather avoid. And, of course, there are the stubborn stains that might require more heavy-duty sap-removal techniques.

These brown juices might look harmless, but they can wreak havoc on your car’s paint.

Dog hair somehow sticking to car paint. — You might find dog hair stuck to your paint, just like I did. Surprise!

How to Keep Leaves from Causing Problems

While a good ceramic coat or paint-protection film can offer some peace of mind, the most effective way to prevent leaf stains is simply to remove them as soon as possible. With a little diligence, you can pluck those leaves from your car’s paint, and barely even notice a difference.

1998 Mitsubishi Montero with rally graphics. — I found Australian shepherd fur on my paint too, just for good measure.

What Else You Should Check Under the Hood

Don’t forget about the other leaf-related issues that can affect your car’s performance. Make sure to check under the hood for leaves that might have accumulated near the top, causing water to stagnate and leading to rust or airflow issues.

BMW wagon with leaves. — It’s annoying enough to deal with leaves stuck under the hood, let alone the ones on your paint.

Two Fall Tips in One Go

Finally, a quick plug for my fall coffee obsession. While the current Starbucks pumpkin spice latte is far too sweet for my taste, I’ve found some amazing indie coffee shops serving up their own unique flavors. Why not treat yourself to a new coffee spot and some small-batch pumpkin syrup?