In the land around my house, there are many large majestic oak trees. They are a beautiful sight to behold, with the limbs arching up and nearly touching the ground. However, there is an element about the oak trees that is troublesome: acorns that fall on cars. Like little bombs, they fall from the trees and pound to the ground or on a vehicle parked outside. How much can falling acorns damage a car?

From personal experience, I can attest that falling acorns can damage cars. They can cause dings, dents, scratches, and even crack a windshield. There are a couple of newer cars that are parked in my garage, but I have an older one that’s parked outside. During the peak time for acorns falling at my home in Wisconsin, which is usually in September, this car takes a beating. I’ll sometimes even park the vehicle in a different location to avoid it getting hit by acorns. In other regions of the United States, acorns fall the most during October but can also drop in August.

The most common type of damage to cars from acorns is dents. As detailed by Nut Geeks, the severity of the dents and scratches depends on such factors as the height of the tree, the type of acorn species, and wind speed. Minor dents can be repaired with a paintless dent repair kit. However, more severe dents will require the help of a professional.

Another type of damage from falling acorns is scratching the paint finish. Older cars are more susceptible to paint damage than newer ones, which typically have a higher quality paint. However, newer cars can still get scratches and other paint issues from falling acorns. With the pointed end of an acorn hitting a vehicle at just the right angle, scratches can occur. With repeated bombardment from acorns, these scratches can be noticeable.

While less common than the other types of damage, falling acorns can also chip or crack a car windshield. Like the other types of damage, the position of the pointed end and the angle of impact are big factors here. While it’s rare for an acorn to get stuck in a windshield, it does happen. If this occurs, don’t try to remove the acorn, for this could worsen the crack. Take your vehicle to a professional, for they are likely familiar with this type of situation.

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The most obvious way to prevent falling acorns from damaging your car is to not park under an oak tree. Be aware of when acorns usually fall where you live — and park accordingly. As mentioned earlier, depending on the location in the country, acorns typically fall from September to October but can also drop in August.

The best way to avoid falling acorns is to park in a garage or a carport. If this is not an option where you live, then find a parking location on the street or a parking lot that’s not under an oak tree. 

Other solutions include a car canopy, a car umbrella, and a car cover. Also, try to go more slowly when driving under an oak tree during the acorn season. The damage of a falling acorn will be less severe than if you are moving fast. 

If you have comprehensive coverage for your vehicle, then your car insurance likely covers damage from falling acorns. However, without this coverage, you probably won’t be covered. Also, something to keep in mind is the deductible. Often, the cost to repair acorn damage is less than the deductible, so you’ll usually have to end up paying for it. 

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