Brilliant autumn leaves on the hood of a vehicle may cause irreversible paint damage.
Those stunning leaves in striking shades of orange, red, yellow, and brown are damaging your vehicle’s paint. Like the discolored stains autumn’s fallen leaves imprint on concrete sidewalks and patios, the decomposing plants will stain, etch, and damage your car, truck, and SUVs delicate paint — it’s a seasonal fact.
Cooler temperatures and shorter days trigger changes in many trees as they prepare for winter. Deciduous species generally have thin leaves that are susceptible to cold temperatures. Rather than allow leaves to freeze, thus destroying their ability to photosynthesize — leaving thousands of useless appendages on the branches — trees and plants will drop their leaves in a carefully orchestrated chemical process.
During the change chlorophyll production stops, and bright oranges, reds, and browns — once masked by green — are revealed. Then, the leaves drop. And this is where the problems begin.
Leaves contain waxes, tannins, pollen, sap, and acidic compounds. As they decompose and mix with moisture, the various chemicals leech onto anything the leaf is in contact with — concrete and tile get stained, puddles turn colors, and the paint on your vehicle becomes damaged. “The acid that is naturally in leaves from trees and rain can cut through the clearcoat and damage it,” explains Lauren Fix, noted automotive expert and analyst from Car Coach Reports. But it’s more than just unsightly damage that should worry owners — resale values may also be affected. “Having any bee droppings, tree sap, or natural deposits on paint surfaces can leave a permanent imprint and reduce the value of your vehicle.”
All vehicles, new or old, are susceptible to damage. And while owners of dark-colored vehicles may think they are immune to stained or etched paint — the destruction is typically more challenging to see — dead leaves don’t discriminate based on vehicle age or hue. And the longer the leaves stay on the paint, the worse the damage.
Sometimes, it’s not possible to altogether avoid fallen leaves sitting on your vehicle’s paint. In that case, there are preventative measures that owners can take to minimize damage. “Keeping a good coat of wax on your vehicle can protect your car for a few months at a time,” says Fix. “The ultimate solution is a ceramic coating or paint protection, which a professional detailing shop applies. It may be expensive, but it is the best insurance to protect the good looks of your vehicle, especially when it’s new.”
If your vehicle is covered in leaves, it is best to pick them off. Wiping may scratch the paint (dirt particulates stick to the wet leaves) and brushing or blowing them may spread the acidic compounds onto a larger area. If you’ve got noticeable damage, try special car wash chemicals designed for stains — “water spot remover” or “cleaner wax” will often take care of most blemishes. If you’ve got etching or damage that doesn’t come off with store-bought treatments, it’s time to seek the help of a professional.
And next time, don’t park under that pretty autumn tree.
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Omprakash Tiwary is a business writer who delves into the intricacies of the corporate world. With a focus on finance and economic landscape. He offers readers valuable insights into market trends, entrepreneurship, and economic developments.
