Autotrader has issued a warning to UK drivers about the trees they should avoid parking under this autumn
Drivers across the country are being urged to avoid parking their cars in any areas that have three types of trees. As autumn brings daily leaf fall nationwide, British motorists may unknowingly be parking beneath trees that could prove expensive for their vehicles.
Car-selling experts at Autotrader have issued a fresh alert, highlighting which trees pose the greatest threat to vehicle paintwork. Autotrader’s LCV Reviewer Tom Roberts emphasises the significance of vehicle maintenance throughout the colder, damper months, reports the Mirror.
He said: “Many common UK trees, like oak and sycamore, release tannins and organic acids where their wet leaves land, and these substances can stain or corrode the paintwork on your car if they are not removed in time. Larger cars like MPVs are at a higher risk of catching wet leaves, with their larger roofs providing more surface area for leaves to cling to.
“Simple precautions, like removing the leaves from the roof and body of your car and washing your car regularly, even in winter, can help stop this damage from happening, as well as being mindful of which kind of tree you’re parking under.”
The motoring expert also urges drivers parking beneath or close to trees this autumn to frequently clear fallen leaves from their vehicles, instead of relying on rainfall or car washes to do the job. He said: “If you have no choice but to park under a tree, you should try to remove any fallen leaves regularly to prevent prolonged exposure to tannins and sap.
“Also, be aware that removing hardened sap on your own can make the damage worse, so it’s best to visit a professional detailer to avoid further degradation to your car’s paintwork. Consider applying a protective layer of wax or sealant on the exterior of your car, as an extra line of defence.”
“Protecting your paintwork like this will not only hopefully help you avoid paying for costly repairs but will help the car maintain its value when the time comes to sell it on.” Below is a list of his top ‘worst offenders’ to avoid parking under.
Which trees are the worst offenders
1. Oak Trees
Tom explains that oak trees, amongst the most widespread tree species across the UK, are notorious for containing exceptionally high concentrations of tannins. These organic compounds naturally prevent plant decay, however when damp oak leaves settle on your vehicle, these substances can seep out and create persistent brown or yellow marks.
“This can be even more problematic for cars with light coloured paintwork, where removing the stain can prove more difficult without professional treatment,” he said.
2. Sycamore Trees
Whilst sycamore trees aren’t indigenous to the UK, they remain widespread. Tom explains: “These leaves also leach tannins, which can result in brown spots on the paintwork of a car, but it’s the sap they produce that can be more problematic.
“Becoming sticky with a substance called honeydew, which is produced by aphids feeding on the leaves, the sap can land on cars and create a breeding ground for mould, or the leaves falling create debris, which can also impact the paintwork.”
3. Maple Trees
Native to the UK, maple trees can be spotted in both countryside and city settings. Much like oak and sycamore trees, maple tree leaves contain tannins that can mark car paint when damp, though it’s primarily the sap they produce that causes the most significant problems for vehicles.
Tom explains: “Maple tree sap tends to harden and bond tightly to a car’s paintwork when left for a period, becoming incredibly difficult to remove. If caught early enough, hot water and soap can be effective; however, once it has hardened, professional detailing may be necessary to remove it without damaging the car.”
What other trees can cause issues?
Pine Trees
Whilst pine trees are less frequently seen across the UK, the Scots Pine is a native variety and can be discovered around car parking areas in woodland locations. According to Tom, pine needles are infamous for their exceptionally sticky sap, which also sets rapidly, and can result in cracks forming in the vehicle’s clear coat – ultimately leading to rust and corrosion.
Birch trees, cherry trees and poplar trees
Tom explains: “Silver birch and downy birch trees are native to the UK and are found throughout the country. Wild cherry trees and black poplar trees can also be found around some parts of the UK. All these trees produce sticky sap that hardens quickly, but poplar sap can be particularly corrosive and thus damaging to car paintwork.”
