How to Protect Your Car from Weather and Animal Damage

Article overview

• Learn how smoke, ash and dust can clog your engine and cabin air filters and how to inspect or replace them yourself.
• Discover how sun, rain and salt accelerate wear on your car’s paint, tires and undercarriage and what steps prevent costly damage.
• Find out how rodents can chew through wires, build nests and damage hoses and how to protect your vehicle.

Though your vehicle may feel like a personal armored fortress, time and nature have a way of chipping away at it if left unchecked. Whether you live in a big city, a small town, along the coast or out west, environmental forces can accelerate wear and tear.

Some strike quickly; others erode your vehicle’s integrity over time. Harsh winters, scorching summers, dusty roads, powerful storms and invasive critters all pose a threat. But with strategic car care practices, you can defend your vehicle against the elements—keeping it road-ready for many miles to come.

How weather can damage your vehicle

The effects of smoke and dust

Dust, ash and smoke from wildfires or construction zones don’t just dirty your car—they can damage it. Two important filters help protect your engine and your lungs: the engine air filter and the cabin air filter. When these filters get clogged with debris, your car’s performance and your health can suffer.

Engine air filter: Protecting your engine

The engine air filter blocks dirt, pollen, ash and other debris from entering your car’s engine. If too much buildup gets past this filter, it can damage sensitive parts and reduce performance.

• Why it matters: A clogged engine air filter reduces airflow to the engine. This can cause poor fuel efficiency, sluggish acceleration, black exhaust smoke and even trigger the check engine light.
• When it wears out faster: In areas with wildfire smoke, heavy dust or construction debris, the filter can clog much more quickly than usual.

DIY tip:

1. Open your hood.
2. Look for a small plastic box near the engine (often clipped shut).
3. Remove and check the filter—if it’s dark, dusty or filled with debris, replace it.
4. Install a new filter if needed.

Cabin air filter: Protecting you

The cabin air filter cleans the air inside the car. It catches smoke, dust, mold spores and allergens before they enter the ventilation system.

• Why it matters: When this filter gets dirty, you might notice weak airflow, musty smells or more allergy symptoms while driving. Over time, harmful particles can build up inside the cabin.
• When it wears out faster: If you live in a smoky or heavily polluted area, your cabin air filter may need to be changed every few weeks instead of every few months.

DIY tip:

1. Check your owner’s manual to find the cabin filter location.
2. Remove the access panel (usually behind the glovebox).
3. Slide out the filter and inspect it for dirt or discoloration.
4. Replace it if it looks dirty or smells bad.

How to protect your car from the elements

Your vehicle may be built for the road, but nature doesn’t always go easy on it. Sun, rain, salt and even sand can cause long-term wear and tear, sometimes in places you can’t easily see. Proactive care helps prevent costly damage and keeps your car looking and running like new.

Sun damage to paint, tires and interior

Just like your skin, your car is vulnerable to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Prolonged exposure can dry out materials, fade paint and compromise your tires and dashboard.

Common signs of sun damage:

• Cracked dashboards and seats: Heat and UV rays can dry out vinyl and plastic, leading to cracking, fading and brittleness.
• Oxidized paint: Sunlight breaks down the clear coat, dulling your car’s color and leading to peeling or chalky paint.
• Dry-rotted tires: UV exposure degrades rubber, increasing the risk of sidewall cracking and even blowouts.

Simple protection tips:

• Use windshield sunshades: These reduce interior temperatures and prevent sun damage to your dash and seats.
• Apply ceramic coating or car wax: A ceramic or wax layer adds UV protection to your paint and enhances resistance to dirt, grime and bird droppings.
• Use tire protectant: UV-blocking sprays help maintain tire flexibility and prevent cracking.

Rain, salt and rust risks

While water keeps you hydrated, it’s one of your car’s biggest enemies. Moisture, especially when combined with road salt or ocean air can lead to rust, corrosion and hidden mechanical problems.

Vulnerable areas:

• Wheel wells and crevices: Water collects in tight spots like around door seals, trim and panel seams, places where rust often begins.
• Undercarriage: Salt from snowplows or sea air sticks to the underbody and accelerates corrosion on frames, brake lines and exhaust parts.

How to protect against rust and corrosion:

• Inspect seals and drainage channels: Make sure rubber seals are intact and that channels under windows, sunroofs and doors are free of debris.
• Apply rust inhibitor sprays: Use a rust-preventive coating on exposed metal, especially before winter or trips to coastal areas.
• Wash your car: After driving in salty road conditions, wash your car as soon as possible to remove any salt residue or buildup.
• Wax regularly: Waxing not only makes your car shine but also repels water, helping it slide off surfaces instead of collecting in crevices.

How animals can cause serious (and expensive) damage

Small animals like mice, rats and squirrels may seem harmless, but they can cause major damage to your vehicle, especially when seeking warmth, shelter or nesting space under the hood. Rodents are notorious for chewing through wires, insulation and hoses, which can lead to costly repairs or even safety hazards.

 Why rodents are drawn to your vehicle

• Warmth and shelter: Engine bays stay warm after driving, especially in colder months.
• Food smells: Leftover food, wrappers or even plant-based insulation materials can attract them.
• Safe nesting areas: Vehicles parked for long periods or in quiet areas (like garages or under trees) provide a quiet hideaway.

What can go wrong

Rodents chew on wiring, air filters, insulation and hoses. This can lead to:

• Engine misfires or failure to start
• Check engine lights
• Brake line damage
• Air conditioning malfunctions
• Risk of electrical fires

In some cases, rodents also build nests in air intake systems or near fans, blocking airflow and damaging components.

Signs rodents have been in your car

• Unusual odors or nesting materials (twigs, leaves, paper) under the hood or in the cabin
• Chewed wiring, especially near the battery or fuse box
• Droppings or paw prints in the engine bay
• Sudden electrical problems or warning lights

How to prevent rodent damage

• Drive regularly: Rodents prefer cars that sit unused for days or weeks.
• Seal access points: Use mesh or covers for air vents and wiring gaps.
• Avoid parking near food sources: Compost bins, trash cans and fruit trees can attract pests.
• Keep the area clean: Remove food, pet treats and trash from your vehicle.
• Use deterrents: Peppermint oil and rodent-repellent sprays may help, as can ultrasonic devices in garages.

What to do if you suspect rodent damage

• Open the hood and look for chewed wires or debris.
• Check for signs of damage in the fuse box, battery area and under seats.
• If you notice warning lights or your car won’t start, have it inspected by a professional before attempting to drive it.

At AAA, we know your vehicle is more than just transportation—it’s your connection to daily life, road trips and everything in between. But nature has a way of sneaking in wear and tear when you least expect it.

By paying attention to early warning signs and following a few smart prevention steps, you can avoid costly damage and keep your car running strong. A little care today goes a long way, and when the unexpected happens, AAA is always here to help you get back on the road with confidence.