Autumn is the time to get a car ready for winter. Falling leaves clog drainage channels and trap moisture, tree sap drips onto paint and bonds hard, and the first frosts and gritting are not far off. Clearing leaf debris, removing sap promptly, and applying fresh paint protection now prevents bigger problems later. A little autumn care sets the car up for the hardest season. Here is what to focus on.
Clear the leaves before they cause trouble
Wet leaves are more than untidy. They collect in the windscreen scuttle, sunroof channels and drainage points, where they rot, trap moisture and block drains. A blocked drain sends water into the cabin, leading to damp and the musty smells we cover in our musty smell guide. Clear leaves out of these channels regularly through autumn.
Remove tree sap promptly
Parking under trees in autumn means sap on the paint. Like bird droppings, sap is acidic and bonds hard, etching the clear coat if left, especially while temperatures are still mild. Remove it as soon as you spot it using the right product rather than scraping, as covered in our sap and tar guide. The sooner you act, the cleaner it comes off.
Protect the paint before winter
Autumn is the ideal moment to refresh the paint's protection before winter's salt and grit arrive. A clean, decontaminate and a fresh layer of wax or sealant gives the paint a barrier for the cold months ahead. Going into winter well protected means far less damage to undo in spring.
Start keeping the interior dry
As the damp season begins, moisture starts finding its way into the cabin on wet shoes and coats. Get ahead of it now: fit rubber mats, run the air conditioning to dehumidify, and do not leave damp items in the car. Building these habits in autumn prevents the winter damp and mould that are so much harder to fix once established.
An autumn valet to get set
A valet in autumn ties it all together, clearing leaf debris, removing sap, refreshing protection and drying out the interior, so the car goes into winter in good shape. It is one of the best-timed cleans of the year. We bring autumn valets to your door across Derby and the East Midlands.
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