The beauty of autumn leaves is undeniable. Unfortunately, for motorists, they can also cause a multitude of problems. They may end up posing a fire risk, clogging vents, stripping paintwork, and creating slippery conditions. Driving in dry leaves can create a hazard, but they also tend to hide road irregularities such as potholes. For motorcyclists, they are a particular nemesis. Most of the issues just stated aren’t surprising. What may be surprising, however, is that you can also run into trouble by parking on dry leaves.

Think twice before, for a prolonged period of time, parking your car under a tree in the fall. To save your car, you’ll end up de-leafing it over and over again. But there is more. Let’s take a look at some of the problems with dry leaves and cars.

Dangers Of Parking On Dry Leaves

As previously mentioned, potholes and other problems with the road can be hidden by dry leaves. Even worse, if you see a pile of dry leaves on the side of the road don’t assume that it’s just leaves. Children love jumping into piles of dry leaves, and you run the risk of hitting a child while driving through them.

Skidding

Other than parking on dried leaves, trying to stop on them can be hazardous. Slamming on your brakes while driving on dry or wet leaves will likely end up in a skid. Break slowly and cautiously whenever possible. Avoid leaves altogether if you can.

Windshield Fog

It may make it harder to defrost your windshield if the defrost system’s efficiency is reduced by leaves clogging the gully between your windshield and hood. Air intakes can be blocked by congregated leaves so interior event flow is reduced.

Automobile Electronics

You might be surprised to find out that the electronic system in your car can actually be interfered with by foliage and leaves from trees. Where your hood meets your windshield, there is a gully. Leaves tend to gather there. Blockages can be caused if enough debris collects. Into your car’s interior, this could cause rain to leak. In addition to interfering with your electric system, this could end up in a moldy, rancid smell when the water drips into your carpeting.

The Paint Job on Your Car

You may experience problems with the paint job on your car if, after falling on it, leaves are left to decompose. Why is that? Onto your paintwork, sap, tannic acid, and other chemicals are released by decomposing leaves. Without professional help, you may not be able to remove the stains that will be left behind. Additionally, deeply into your paint, that acid can leach.

What About That Fire Hazard?

Reportedly, cars have started on fire after being parked on top of dry leaves. Even once the car engine has been turned off, metal surfaces (such as on the converter) remain exceptionally hot. Dry leaves coming into contact with these surfaces could potentially ignite.

Getting into an Autumn Traffic Accident – Or Any Time

Though, as much as possible, you may try to avoid dry leaves this autumn, the time will likely come when you may not have a choice. Dry leaves, wet leaves, snow, ice, all present a problem for even the safest drivers. If you are involved in a traffic accident involving dry leaves or any other circumstances, contact the law firm of Corradino and Papa without hesitation.

We can help you with representation involving numerous kinds of personal injuries. Some of these include truck accidents, dog bites, motorcycle accidents, workers’ compensation issues, and numerous other types of personal injuries. We will fight for your rights and do all we can to make sure you’re fully compensated for medical expenses, vehicle damages, lost work, pain and suffering from injuries, and more.

Get in touch with us today for a free consultation.