You drive through farms often. You may not notice. But your car confronts daily invisible risks. Farm sprays drift onto highways and fields. Chemicals remain in the air and on surfaces. Your car’s paint draws attention. Outside seals are typically disregarded. They guard windows, doorways, and lights. Sprays deteriorate rubber and plastic. It leaks, makes noise, and damages. Thus, comprehending this threat matters. Especially if you live near farms. Brandon’s Transmission & Auto Repair encounters this damage often.
Common Chemicals Cause Hidden Damage
Agricultural sprays include herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. These are strong on plants. But they also react with synthetic materials. Vehicle seals are made of rubber compounds. They stay flexible due to chemical balance. Sprays disrupt this balance. Now the rubber hardens and cracks. Sunlight and heat speed up the process. You might see small splits at first. Then gaps appear around windows or doors. Water enters during rain. So damp floors or musty smells follow. Also, wind noise increases while driving. These signs point to seal failure. Auto Repair in Bakersfield, CA checks seals during routine services. Catching damage early saves money later.
Types of Sprays and Their Effects
Some sprays stick to surfaces longer. Glyphosate-based products are common. They resist rain and stay active. When dry, they form a thin film. This film bonds to metal and rubber. Over days, it seeps into tiny pores. Then it breaks down protective layers. Other sprays contain solvents. These dissolve oils in rubber. So, the material becomes brittle. Now the door seal fails faster. Window channels lose grip. Even trunk and hood seals suffer. Dust and moisture get inside. This affects electronics and insulation. The result is more than cosmetic. It harms function and comfort. Brandon’s Transmission & Auto Repair uses inspection tools to find hidden wear.
Prevention and Regular Checks
Washing your car helps but is not enough. Regular soap does not remove chemical residue. You need special cleaners. They break down agricultural films. Clean the body and undercarriage. Pay close attention to door bottoms. Also clean around window edges. Waxing adds slight protection. But it does not shield rubber fully. Now consider protective coatings. Some products resist chemical absorption. Apply them every few months.
Repair and Long-Term Protection
Once seals fail, repair is needed. Replacing them restores fit and function. New seals block water and noise. They also improve fuel efficiency slightly. Wind resistance drops with tight seals. Now the ride feels smoother. The process takes a few hours. Trained techs at Brandon’s Transmission & Auto Repair do it right. They match original materials. So, performance stays high. Also consider parking location. Avoid areas downwind of fields. Spray drift travels far. Now you can reduce exposure.