When the temperature starts to drop, so do the leaves. This can cause a lot of damage on car paint surfaces. Read our tips on how to prevent leaf residue damage this Autumn & Winter.
Leaves and all plant life contain acid-based materials that help them absorb carbon-dioxide. As they die and start to drop, the inner composition begins to seep outside. With the bottom layer of those leaves usually coated with water, this combination acts like glue when it lands onto your car.
This basically fast tracks the degradation on a paints clear coating. If the leaf remains on the vehicle for extended periods, it can lead to stains that can only be removed via paint correction with a professional detailer.
Wet leaves, especially those that decompose, can leave stains on your car paintwork.
How to reduce damage?
While it’s nearly impossible to completely avoid leaves falling onto your car, there are a few small things you can do to reduce damage.
- Don’t Park Under a Tree: It’s obvious but nonetheless, we often forget to look up when rushing in and out of the rain. The best way to avoid paint damage from leaves is to not park under the tree.
- Wash your car every other week: At this time of year when it’s raining so much it’s hard to find the motivation or see the point – BUT it is more crucial, as it’s not just leaves and bird lime that will do the damage. The general debri from trees, building materials or roadwork sites blowing around will damage your paintwork over time, you won’t realise until it’s too late. Try our maintenance guide for washing tips: https://surreydetailing.co.uk/2024/03/05/vehicle-maintenance-guide/
- Consider a Professional Paint Protection Solution: If you are looking to reduce maintenance time, keep your car looking better for longer, with some peace of mind that you are maintaining and prolonging the condition and protection the paintwork, we have many longer-lasting alternatives. Paint protection film (PPF) for the ultimate in stone chips and scratch protection, or a professional-grade ceramic coating for superb gloss and hydrophobicity.
https://surreydetailing.co.uk/paint-protection/
Surrey Detailing are a unit-based detailing and protection specialist in Ottershaw, Surrey. They have a long list of happy and returning clients along with strong relationships with many of the Surrey car dealerships.
Complete an enquiry form or schedule a call with Sarah to discuss your vehicle appearance and protection. https://surreydetailing.co.uk/#contactus