Can the Autumn Leaves Harm My Vehicle?

September 29, 2022

Car tire on a road covered with yellow and orange autumn leaves; sunlit trees in the background.

Fall is finally here, and that means chilly weather, bundling up in sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes, and of course the color-changing leaves. If you’re a seasoned vehicle owner, you know that seasonal shifts bring new challenges for our cars. One common car problem that isn’t talked about this time of year is those brought about by the fallen leaves. Read on to learn how fall leaves can cause costly damage to your automobile.


  • PAINT - To understand how the leaves can hurt your car’s protective coating, you should know that leaves are dirty. They contain sap, pollen, and other contaminants that can mix with rainwater, making it acidic. When these leaves linger on your car, they can eat away your vehicle’s paint and leave behind unpleasant marks.
  • WHEELS - Driving over a bed of slimy leaves may seem fine at first, but they’re a lot slippier than you think. Leaves can also hide road markings, bumps, potholes, and other sneaky obstacles. Therefore, please proceed with caution when driving over a sheet of leaves. 
  • ENGINE - We’ve all been victims of having leaves clutter around our windshield during this time of year. In some cases, they can sneak their way into the engine compartment. Fortunately, the air filter should kick in to block it out. However, it can cause your filter to deteriorate quicker.
  • LEAKS - Dead leaves tend to clog and contaminate the drain holes that eliminate the water lingering on your windshield. When the drains get jammed with leaves, they can cause water to leak inside your car instead. Not only can this be messy, smelly, and a major inconvenience, but it can permanently damage your vehicle’s interior.


We urge you to be careful with where you drive/park and how you drive this season. If you are in need of fall automotive maintenance or repairs, look no further than the motor experts at Accomplished Auto. We look forward to hearing from you!

By clint January 29, 2026
Court Injunction Halts Repeal of NH Vehicle Inspections — Annual Safety Stickers Still Required in 2026
By clint January 21, 2026
Why a Properly Working Car Heater Is Essential for Comfort, Visibility, and Safety During New Hampshire’s Extreme Winter Cold
By clint January 15, 2026
How Severe Duty Driving Impacts Uber, Lyft & Delivery Vehicles in Concord, NH
By clint January 7, 2026
Understanding modern exhaust sensors, accurate diagnostics, and why proper testing saves you money
By clint January 7, 2026
This is a subtitle for your new post
Person using a wrench to work on a car battery in an engine bay. | Accomplished Automotive
October 31, 2025
Accomplished Auto in Concord, NH, explains how battery health plays a major role in reliable cold-weather starting.
Four worn black tires close up, with shallow grooves. | Accomplished Automotive
September 19, 2025
Accomplished Auto in Concord, NH, explains how to tell when your tires are worn beyond safe limits and why timely replacement is critical.
September 17, 2025
Looking for the best tires in Concord, NH? Accomplished Auto helps drivers in Concord, Pembroke, Bow, Hopkinton, and nearby towns choose all-season, all-weather, and winter tires for safe driving in New England.
August 29, 2025
Accomplished Auto in Concord, NH, explains when it’s time for a fuel injection and ignition system cleaning to restore performance.
August 18, 2025
From Concord to Bow, Hopkinton & Loudon, Accomplished Auto provides serpentine belt inspection & replacement to keep your vehicle running smoothly.