Shield Your Car This Fall
Fall in Ontario is stunning. Bright red maples, golden birches, and crisp drives through winding roads make this one of the best times of year to get behind the wheel. But while those leaves are beautiful on the trees, they’re less welcome once they hit the ground… or your car.
Leaves, twigs, and debris can do more than just clutter up your windshield. Left unchecked, they can lead to clogs, stains, rust, and even mechanical issues. The good news? A few quick fixes can go a long way toward protecting your vehicle this season.
1. Keep Air Vents and Cowl Clear
The base of your windshield collects more than just rainwater. It’s also where your car pulls in air for heating, cooling, and defrosting. Leaves and pine needles that gather here can block airflow, strain your HVAC system, and make it harder to keep your windshield clear on cool mornings.
Quick Fix: Once or twice a week, sweep away any leaves around your windshield wipers and the plastic cowl. It takes less than a minute and prevents costly blockages later.
2. Protect Your Paint From Leaf Stains
Fallen leaves hold onto moisture, and when pressed against your car’s surface, they can release tannins and sap that stain or damage the clear coat. If you park under trees, this can happen daily.
Quick Fix: Keep a small soft brush or microfiber cloth in your car and clear leaves off the hood, roof, and trunk whenever you park outside. For long-term protection, apply a coat of wax or ceramic sealant in the fall to shield your paint through winter.
3. Rinse the Undercarriage Regularly
Wet leaves don’t just stick to your shoes, they also cling to your wheel wells and undercarriage. When combined with moisture and, later, road salt, this accelerates rust and corrosion in hidden areas of your car.
Quick Fix: Run your car through a self-serve or touchless wash once a week, making sure to spray the undercarriage. It’s especially important after heavy rain, or once snow and salt arrive.
4. Keep Drains and Gutters Flowing
Your car has drainage channels around areas like the sunroof, trunk, and doors. If leaves block these channels, water can pool and leak into the cabin. That can mean foggy windows at best, or mold and electrical problems at worst.
Quick Fix: Inspect drains every few weeks. If you see standing water or debris, clear them with a gentle blast of compressed air or a flexible pipe cleaner.
5. Replace Cabin and Engine Air Filters
As leaves and organic matter break down, smaller particles can get pulled into your filters. A clogged cabin filter means weaker airflow and stale-smelling heat, while a dirty engine filter can reduce fuel efficiency and performance.
Quick Fix: Check your owner’s manual for replacement intervals and consider swapping both filters in the fall. They’re inexpensive, quick to replace, and make a noticeable difference in how your car runs and feels.
Bonus Tip: Mind Where You Park
Parking under a big maple tree might feel picturesque in October, but it’s also a recipe for clogged drains, stained paint, and extra work for you. If possible, choose open parking spots or use a quality car cover for extra protection.
Falling leaves don’t have to mean falling into car trouble. A few minutes of regular upkeep keeps your car looking sharp, running smoothly, and ready for the colder months ahead. Small steps now save you bigger repairs later, leaving you free to enjoy those scenic fall drives.
