We had a wind advisory here yesterday, winds were getting into the 30-40 MPH range, and with fall being here, the leaves were flying around like crazy. As I was driving, I would often get caught up in a "leaf storm" and started to wonder if the leaves could damage the paint on my car? I'm not talking leaves falling off the trees, I'm talking about leaves being shot into the side of your car with a strong force.

I'm sure there hasn't been a lot of research on this, I'm just wondering if a leaf has too little a mass to cause damage to the paint on the car. Thanks.

-Rupes

I'm guessing yes, since a poor sponge lightly washing your car can damage the clear coat

Perhaps, but the grit in the dust from the wind can do as much if not more. Just part of living with nature, though. I've been caught in some nasty storms in the past, and very bad dust storms in the desert, and while damage can definitely occur, good and careful detailing/waxing can improve the finish immensely.

Another potential problem with leaves: Did you check to see if any leaves accumulated in front of your oil cooler(s) or do you have screens that kept them out?

The biggest potential for paint damage from leaves is letting them accumulate on the paint surface and get wet and stick. When wet, the leaves leach out tannic acid which can actually etch your clear coat if you leave them there for a long period of time. We have car dealers here who routinely have "leaf damage" sales from where they park cars on the back lot near trees where they sit for weeks. Good reason for a car cover if you don't have a garage and your car sits outside unused for lengthy periods.