Can Autumn Leaves Damage Your Car?
As seasons change, it also brings changes to our roads too. During Autumn, falling leaves can cause damage as they enter the nooks and crannies of your vehicle. Be-leaf it or not, these leaves can create a dangerous hazard and possibly even a fire risk. Read the full article for an outline of the hazards caused and tips to avoid these hazards.
Here’s a list of some of the problems autumn leaves can cause to your car:
•Paintwork rot – As leaves begin to decompose on your car, chemicals such as tannic acid gets left on your paintwork. These chemicals can leave stains behind on the car which are difficult to remove.
•Pothole Damage – Potholes can be disguised by fallen leaves on our roads. Drivers may not be able to see these potholes on the roads which may cause damage to your car.
•Electrical Issues- When leaves fall, they can become stuck in the gully between the car windscreen and the bonnet. This can result in drain hole blockages meaning rainwater can’t escape. In the worst case, this could result in an electrical fire under the bonnet if the water reaches electrical components.
• Skidding- Wet leaves on the roads can make them slippery and your tyres could lose their grip. This is made worse when combined with cold weather and frost on our roads.
Here’s a list of top tips to prevent these hazards:
• When parking your car, if possible, avoid parking it near or under a tree. This will reduce the chance of leaves falling on your car. Park your car in a garage if you can.
• Take extra care when driving on the roads.
• Regularly wash your car to ensure it is kept clean throughout the season.
• Regular maintenance checks and leaf removal will help to ensure your car doesn’t become clogged up with leaves over a period of time.
Thank you for reading our blog, we hope you found it useful. Do you have any questions about leasing a vehicle? Call us on 0161 667 5338 and one of our friendly, knowledgeable Leasing Consultants will be able to help. Or, visit our Facebook page for more tips!
