Absolutely. But for anyone who truly cares about their car, it’s also the moment when the first thoughts start to creep in. Because those same leaves that paint the tree-lined streets can become a real problem for your paintwork. Damp leaves, mud, and sudden rain create the perfect environment for stains, water spots, and small patches of oxidation. The issue is that we often don’t notice it right away. Days go by — sometimes weeks — before you spot a dull film on the paint or a streak that wasn’t there before. And that’s when it turns into a race to fix things.
So the question is: how do you truly prepare, without relying on last-minute reactions?
Read our new guide, where you’ll find tips on:
- Protecting the bodywork before rain and mud arrive
- Interiors and details: autumn doesn’t forgive even inside the car
- Prevent today so you don’t have to repair tomorrow
Protecting the bodywork before rain and mud arrive
Rainwater is never “just” water. It contains minerals, fine dust, and smog residue. When it sits on the surface for too long, it leaves visible marks and subtle deposits. And as temperatures drop, slower drying only amplifies the effect.
Some people think an occasional wash is enough. But autumn doesn’t forgive carelessness. It’s a choice you make now that can save you time, money, and frustration in the months ahead.
Preparation starts from a simple concept: creating a barrier against the effects of time. Even before the first rains become constant and mud turns into a regular presence, you need to make sure the bodywork is thoroughly clean.
That’s why starting with a thorough wash is essential. A dedicated shampoo such as Shampoo Wax is perfect for glossy cars: it cleans deeply and already leaves a first veil of protection thanks to the wax in the formula. Diluting it in water is quick, and if you use a glove like Shampoo Glove you’ll get an even application, with light strokes (never rub!) from top to bottom, avoiding dragging abrasive particles that could mark the surface.
If you own a car with a matte paint finish, the right choice is Matt Paint Cleaner, specifically designed to cleanse without altering the typical look of satin surfaces.
Then comes drying, often underestimated — and autumn is deceptive, as we’ve seen. A highly absorbent microfiber towel like Microfibre Cloth helps remove excess water and, thanks to its ultra-high-quality fibers, absorbs a lot of water in a single pass without leaving streaks. Not only that: because it’s soft and gentle, it also reduces the risk of scratches. You can use it on the glass as well. To use it best on the bodywork, lay it over the wet surface and pull it toward you without applying pressure, working from top to bottom. That way you dry quickly and without marks!
At this point, the bodywork is ready to receive real protection — a barrier that can resist rain, mud, and smog for weeks. A wax such as Polishing Protective Wax, free of abrasives and enriched with natural waxes, creates a water-repellent film that pushes water away and limits dirt adhesion, and it’s ideal for glossy finishes. Application is simple: a microfiber cloth such as Microfibre Cloth gold is enough to spread a thin layer and wait a few minutes — usually just until you see a light, matte haze. The wax and cloth are conveniently available in a kit that includes both. Then remove any excess product with a clean, dry microfiber cloth, using light pressure and circular motions. The result is a smooth, glossy surface that doesn’t just “look” protected — it truly is. For matte surfaces, the best choice is Renewing Protective Detailer to be applied with Microfibre Cloth red.
Interiors and details: autumn doesn’t forgive even inside the car
When we talk about autumn, the mind immediately goes to the bodywork and the puddles that line the streets. But the inside of the car — especially if you use it daily in the city or in leafy areas — is an equally delicate battleground. Dry leaves, mud, humidity, and residue carried in by shoes or clothing build up and, once inside, they stay there. Invisible at first, until they become stains, odors, and marks that are hard to remove.
Have you ever wondered how much dirt enters the cabin in just one rainy day? Just look at your floor mat after an hour of traffic on a gray October day to get the answer. And that’s not all: moisture trapped in fabrics can encourage mold, bacteria, and unpleasant smells that return every time the windows stay closed.
First of all, you need to protect the floor mats. In autumn, it’s a good idea to remove them often, wash them, and let them dry completely — ideally in the sun — before putting them back in the car. For textiles, a product like Interior Cleaner Kit helps remove even stubborn stains without damaging fibers. It’s a ready-to-use kit, perfect for cleaning your car’s interior — essential and effective on seats, fabrics, carpets, dashboard, and other interior surfaces, including fabric, leather, or faux leather. It removes dirt, stains, and impurities effectively yet gently, restoring a fresh and clean look while leaving a pleasant scent.
For floor mats, simply spray the product directly onto the surface you want to clean and let it sit for a few seconds. Then use a brush or a microfiber cloth to lift and remove the dirt.
The next step involves hard surfaces such as the dashboard, plastic trims, metal details, and door panels. Here the main enemy is dust, which in autumn combines with humidity in the air, creating a dull film that mutes the look of the cabin and can even affect certain finishes. Regular treatment with Dashboard Polish helps keep the dashboard surface clean and evenly finished, avoiding that “grayish” effect that’s especially noticeable on darker, less bright days. Applying it with a microfiber cloth using slow, controlled movements helps distribute it evenly and prevents excess product that would attract even more dust.
And what about the hidden spaces? Cup holders, storage compartments, and the seams between seats fill up with crumbs, dust, and small leaves in autumn. A deep clean with the help of a portable vacuum and slim nozzles makes it possible to reach even the toughest spots.
The windows deserve special attention too. In autumn, the mix of rain, internal condensation, and residue carried by the outside air can significantly reduce visibility. Wipers aren’t enough, because the inside of the windshield — if neglected — develops a thin but annoying film that, under artificial lights, can become dangerous. Cleaning with Glass Cleaner leaves no streaks and dries quickly. Ideally, apply it using Microfibre Cloth orange both inside and outside, always using two separate cloths to avoid transferring dirt from one side to the other.
A useful tip when doing these treatments? Try to work in an environment that isn’t too cold, so the products can penetrate effectively. Finally, another good habit is to air out the cabin — even when it rains. Just a few minutes, when it’s not pouring, is enough to circulate fresh air and reduce interior humidity. This simple gesture prevents unpleasant smells and helps keep the environment healthier, even if the car stays parked for many hours.
Prevent today so you don’t have to repair tomorrow
In autumn, more than in any other season, it’s worth adopting preventive maintenance. Because it only takes a small crack in the paint, a damaged seal, or a scratched window to trigger a domino effect that compromises the car’s appearance — and in some cases even its functionality.
Of course, all of this takes time. But how much time and money do you save by avoiding bodywork repairs, replacing seals, or rushing into urgent treatments to address deeper problems? The truth is that preventive maintenance isn’t a luxury — it’s the most practical way to keep your car in optimal condition, facing autumn without anxiety and without unexpected expenses. And there’s another aspect that shouldn’t be overlooked: personal satisfaction. Seeing your car clean, protected, and ready to challenge the season gives a sense of order and control. It’s a small pleasure that, on gray and rainy days, also offers a real boost to your mood. And like any positive habit, it becomes easier the more you repeat it.
The Care is an Italian brand dedicated to car care and protection, with a range of professional products designed for those who want to combine performance with ease of use. Their formulas are made to respect every surface and deliver visible results — both for detailing enthusiasts and for those looking for practical, safe solutions for everyday use. On The Care website you’ll find everything you need to take care of and maintain your car, ready for rain, mud, and falling leaves.