Personally, I love trees. They are the lungs of our environment. They provide shade, shifting light patterns, act as wind-breaks and homes for wildlife. However, they also present several dangers, some of which can be costlier than others. Residing in the Lincolnshire countryside, in a small settlement surrounded by trees, I am highly conscious of my car being covered in falling autumnal leaves.
Paint risk:
Those lovely golden, red and brown leaves are filled with natural sugars contained within the sap that gives them life. However, that sticky combination also contains natural chemicals that can eat into the lacquer and paintwork, leaving the finish a mottled, pimply rash of leaf impressions that is almost impossible to remove. Added complication comes from the fruit acids deposited in bird droppings, as they fill themselves with seasonal berries. I can recall a Volvo that I had been loaned requiring extensive and expensive repainting of its bonnet and roof, following a fortnight’s worth of non-attention (I was away at the time). Clear them away before driving.
Skid risk:
We are at that time of the year, when temperatures plummet, moisture levels increase and leaves fall onto our roads (and vehicles). If they are covered in a glistening coat of frost, they can result in road surfaces that are even more slippery than snow, or ice alone. Treat any such surfaces with caution. Even low temperature, or winter-type, tyres will struggle to find traction. Keep your distance from other traffic and take extra care in shaded bends.
Pothole risk:
Falling leaves can fill potholes readily and, unless you want to fall victim and add to the reported £915m pothole damage to cars annually, take extra care on leaf-strewn surfaces. Of course, if potholes are concealed in this way, it is only previous knowledge of the road that might make you cannier. There is no logical way to obviate against damage being incurred but ensuring that your vehicle’s tyres are at the right pressures can help. Should you strike a pothole, then check your wheels thoroughly for damage that may have happened to the unseen inside edges of both wheels and tyres. Bear in mind that parking restriction lines may also be concealed.
Electrics risk:
Fallen leaves can fill easily the gap between bonnet and windscreen on most cars. A build-up of leafy mulch can and will lead to a blockage of the drain-holes. Rainwater gathering in that area can soon start dripping into the car’s interior, wetting carpets and insulation materials, leading to a mouldy smell at least. However, a build-up of moist leaves can also cause electrical issues to occur. While most modern cars rely on complex wiring systems, incurring a ‘short’ as a result of moisture seepage into plugs and connectors might also lead to a fire.
Demisting risk:
A build-up of leaves in the air gathering area between windscreen and bonnet will also restrict the flow of fresh air into the car’s heating, ventilation and demisting system. Apart from inevitable temperature differences inherent to leaves left on the screen, which must be removed, as you would snow, or ice, to avoid unwanted attention and remain legal, the demisting of interior glass will be compromised. Clear vision for driving must be your priority at all times.
