With the arrival of autumn comes a feeling of freshness and trips to the forest or the mountains. And of course, to be able to enjoy the scenery that autumn gives us, whether inside or outside the car, it is necessary to be prepared. From proper cleaning to windshield replacement in a car glass workshop, the maintenance of this glass is essential to face the different situations that arise at this time of year.
But beyond the scenic aspect, safety inside the car becomes highly important in autumn. Leaves falling midway from the trees may obstruct vision, or you may be parked for so long that you can hardly recognise your car under a blanket of leaves. The incidents that could lead you to require some car glass repair service are many.
Let’s look at some of the most common and what to do to keep your vision intact behind the wheel.
Falling leaves and their inconveniences
Clean as soon as possible
With the arrival of autumn, trees shed dry leaves, which are carried by the wind and many of them end up on the windshield, hood, and roof of the vehicle. Even though at first it may seem like a minor issue, if not cleaned in time it can become a real problem.
Dry leaves that are not removed from the windshield decompose, releasing toxic residues onto the glass such as acids, pollen, and sap. This last substance, being sticky, will make the leaves adhere to the windshield, making them difficult to remove.
In addition, dry leaves often come with dirt and insects. If leaves are left resting on the windshield, seasonal insects and a lot of dirt may end up stuck to it.
Beyond the windshield
Decomposed leaves, dirt, branch remains or any other natural component typical of autumn slide across the windshield, especially when wet. If not removed, these elements could easily block the car’s drainage system.
This system allows rainwater to flow through all the outlets without problem. Therefore, if blocked, it is possible that water will leak into the cabin, causing costly damage.
Wind, branches, and trees
In summer, trees dry out. Later, when autumn is well advanced, there are days of strong winds. This could cause a branch of considerable size to fall onto a parked or moving vehicle, making it necessary to resort to car glass repair.
In the worst case, it could be a whole tree. This would be even more serious for the occupants, making windshield replacement necessary. In any case, the recommendation is to remain cautious when driving and avoid travelling on abandoned roads.
Persistent rain as well
Autumn rains can create a thin, oily film on the windshield, reducing visibility. On the other hand, as autumn progresses, roads can fill with mud, leaves, stems, and other debris that can splash onto the windshield.
This could cause the windshield wiper to not clean properly, and could even scratch it if some element gets lodged between its blades. For this, it will always be necessary to go to a car glass workshop, thus avoiding the problem from spreading.
How to solve these problems?
Here are some foolproof tips so that autumn leaves don’t damage any surface of your car.
- Remove the leaves with your own hands. If there are many, it’s better to use gloves.
- Use a brush or specialised broom to remove dry leaves.
- Wash the windshield with soap and water to remove any residue, especially sticky ones.
- Avoid driving behind a vehicle that may leave a trail of dry leaves directly towards your windshield.
- Avoid parking under trees for long periods.
- If going to the forest or the mountains, avoid parking under low-hanging branches.
- Make sure the drainage slots at the base of the windshield are free of obstructions.
- Clean or polish car headlights to maintain optimal visibility — a very wise decision during this season.
At Ralarsa, we accompany you on every journey!
Remember that during autumn, the natural spectacle of the changing colour of the leaves can last only a few days, and it’s best to be prepared in case you need a windshield replacement.
On the other hand, at Ralarsa, car glass workshop, we strive to ensure that your windshield is in optimal condition, since keeping it clean in all seasons of the year is essential for your safety and comfort when driving.
Don’t forget to book your appointment with Ralarsa through our website. Drive with clarity and safety in any situation!
