Leaves under the windshield are not harmless: A small check can prevent water in the cabin

A few minutes of cleaning around the windshield is not just an aesthetic job - it can prevent moisture, unpleasant odors and a much more expensive leak search. Disclaimer: The translations are mostly done through AI translator and might not be 100% accurate. The first autumn showers often reveal a problem that has been building up unnoticed for weeks. Leaves, needles and fine dirt collect in the area at the bottom of the windscreen, around the wipers and the air intake. If they clog the drainage channels, rainwater no longer flows along the path intended by the manufacturer and can overflow into the ventilation or the interior of the car. The driver usually notices the problem as a damp carpet, persistent fogging of the windows or a musty smell in the cabin. In some models, water is trapped in the space under the plastic windshield trim, while in others it can wet the cabin filter or find its way past a weakened seal. Haynes, for example, for the Volkswagen Up, it cites blocked drains under the wipers as a known cause of water in the footwell, while the British AA warns that the drainage system in that area can become clogged with leaves and other debris. The first check is simple and does not require tools: with the car turned off, remove any visible leaves from the lower edge of the windshield and from accessible corners of the duct. A soft brush or careful vacuuming is useful. Do not push a wire, screwdriver or strong jet of water into a hole that is not clearly identified, as the hose may become detached or the water may be directed towards electrical components. The exact location of the drain varies from model to model, so consult the manual or service center to remove the plastic trim. If the carpet is already wet, it's not enough to simply dry the surface. You need to find the source, check the drains, seals, and the condition of the cabin filter, and then thoroughly dry the underfloor insulation, which can hold much more water than is visible from above. A sweet smell, oily liquid, or a drop in coolant level could indicate a different problem, such as a heating problem, and the vehicle should be inspected by a professional. An autumn inspection can be combined with cleaning the windows, adding the right amount of washer fluid, and checking the wipers, lights, and tires. Wet leaves on the road reduce traction and can hide potholes, so a wider gap and smoother steering are just as important as car maintenance. A few minutes of cleaning around the windshield is not just an aesthetic job: it can prevent moisture, unpleasant odors, and the much more expensive search for leaks. Article prepared with the support of AI tools. See more: Download the app and follow the news FOLLOW US ON