Autumn in Sussex County is beautiful, and the back roads around Byram, Andover, and Stanhope are among the best places to enjoy it. Those same tree-lined roads, however, drop an enormous number of leaves on and around your vehicle every fall. In this month’s blog post, we explain how fallen leaves can create mechanical and safety problems, and what you can do about them.
Leaves collect where water is supposed to drain. Every vehicle has a channel at the base of the windshield, called the cowl, that funnels rainwater away from the cabin and engine bay. Leaves gather there, break down, and form a wet mat that blocks the drains. Water then backs up into places it does not belong, including the heater box and electrical connectors. Sunroof drains and trunk channels clog the same way. The result is a musty smell, damp carpet, or a fogged windshield that will not clear. Clearing the cowl and checking the drains takes only a few minutes and prevents costly water damage.
Wet leaves are as slippery as ice. A layer of damp leaves on pavement dramatically reduces tire grip, especially in curves and on hills. Braking distances increase and steering response drops. Slow down on leaf-covered stretches, avoid sudden braking, and remember that leaves can hide potholes. Tires with worn tread lose grip first, so this is a good time to have tread depth checked.
Leaves can enter the engine compartment. Leaves that slip past the grille can settle against the exhaust manifold or pack against the radiator. Dry leaves on a hot surface are a fire risk, and a blocked radiator restricts cooling. A quick look under the hood after parking beneath trees for a few days is worth the effort.
Your cabin air filter takes the hit. The cabin air filter sits directly downstream of the cowl, and leaf fragments and mold spores load it up quickly in the fall. A clogged filter reduces airflow, weakens the defroster, and lets odors into the cabin. Replace it before the heater sees daily use.
Park smart when you can. Parking away from heavy tree cover reduces every one of these problems. When that is not possible, brush leaves off the hood and cowl regularly.
If you notice a musty odor, fogging that will not clear, or weak airflow from the vents this fall, contact the service professionals at Geller’s Automotive. We will check the drains, filter, and cooling system and get your vehicle ready for the season ahead.
