I’m never going to let fallen leaves pile on my car ever again — here’s why

Fall is here, and while the abundance of leaves may add autumnal warmth and aesthetics, it also means more home maintenance.

For those who live near large trees, you’ll probably have to contend with excess leaves covering your car on a regular basis. But if, like me, you choose to put off the task of removing leaves immediately (until it all piles up), you could be making a costly mistake.

According to experts, letting leaves pile up on a car outside can literally ruin your car in the long-term, causing all sorts of problems such as paint damage, rust and unsightly stains or scratches. Here’s how.

The dangers of leaving leaves on your car

Although they may look pretty and seasonal, excess leaves on your car are a firm no-no. Wet leaves in particular can release tree sap which can strip away the exterior clear coat on your car, due to its acidity. If left over time, this can cause the paint to degrade or worse still, expose the metal bodywork to elements that will inevitably cause rust issues.

To avoid this risk, always clear your car bonnet, and remove fallen leaves that collect in the area underneath your windshield. In addition, it's important to check for leaves underneath the car hood, as often trapped leaves could clog drains or filters.

BLACK+DECKER Leaf Blower, Vacuum and Leaf Mulcher: $97 at Amazon

This 3-in-1 device can not only blow your leaves, but also mulch and collect them in an attached bag, so they'll take up far less room when you have to drop them off at the curb. This model requires an extension cord, so if you have a larger yard, you'll want to find a battery-powered model.

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While it’s easy to hand-pick soggy leaves from your car, you can always invest in a handheld leaf blower for dry piles. These compact tools can easily blow away large leaves and debris, making the task quicker. Plus, you can use it in your yard and around the home for a leaf-free zone.

If you want more top tips on choosing the best one for you, check out these 5 things you need to know before buying a leaf blower.

So, by immediately removing leaves from your car (and not procrastinating), will not only help to reduce the risk of paintwork damage, but will save you a fortune on expensive car repairs. And I’ll be sure to do the same for my car from now on!

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