Things That May Cause Unexpected Damage to Your Car

So you have finally passed your driving test and your very first car is just sitting on the drive, waiting to be taken out for a spin. You know all of the rules of the road, so you should have no trouble keeping the car, and those around you, safe during your driving.

However, as all car owners known, maintenance is crucial as it can cost a lot to get the little things fixed if you aren’t careful. A lot of issues can be caught with regular checks, so we thought we’d point out a few things that can actually damage your car that you may never have expected.

Leaves

We already know what you’re thinking. How on Earth could something as flimsy as a leaf cause damage to a vehicle? Well, there are actually a couple if things that could happen. Allowing leaves to accumulate on your car could damage the paintwork, as leaves contain surface acids that will slowly corrode the paint. Further, leaves can also get into small spaces, such as vents or under the bonnet, which can lead to air supply being affected and poor car performance. Happily, it’s an easy fix, as all you need to do is get rid of any leaves you do find.

Road Salt and Grit

While it may be a lifesaver during the winter months, the salts and grits that we use to give our roads more grip can also corrode the metal on the underside of your car, as both absorb water, which lends them corrosive properties. While it may not be the most pleasant experience the best way to remedy this issue is to wash your car regularly during the winter, paying particular attention to wheel arches and other areas that may come into contact with the salts. Also, you should make sure any minor scuffs to the bodywork is repaired so they become watertight again.

Bird Droppings

Every car, at some point in its life, is going to encounter a bird with a less than controlled stomach. Bird droppings are the bane of a driver’s existence, as cleaning them off isn’t pleasant in the slightest. However, it is important that you do that, as the droppings can also damage the paintwork of the car. Paint lacquer will cool around the droppings and start to contract around them, which makes the droppings hard to remove and also leads to those dull patches you see on your car after scraping off a dropping that has been there for a while.

Cold Weather

A lot of experienced drivers have run into issues with the cold weather, often finding that their cars won’t start when the temperature drops. What usually happens is the cold affects the chemical processes occurring in your car battery, to the point where they simply stop happening. Using the right amount of antifreeze is vital, so check your owner’s manual and make sure that everything is topped up to the correct levels to protect against the cold. Also, try to take the car out for a drive as often as possible, even if it’s just a short one, to keep everything moving along.