Protecting Your Car from Spring Pollen

Spring is almost here—warmer weather, beautiful blooming plants and that not-so-wonderful irritant, pollen. Most people have come to accept that pollen is an important inevitability. It has a job to do. However, the side effects can often be unpleasant. Beyond inflicting allergy sufferers with itchy eyes, congestion and headaches, it can also pose a unique set of problems for your car.

Protecting you Vehicle from Pollen

Have you ever walked out to your vehicle to find it covered in a fine yellow dust with a hue reminiscent of Big Bird? Unlike the friendly and welcoming 8-foot bird, pollen can have detrimental effects—especially on your vehicle’s paint job and systems. Since the problem starts on the outside, it’s best to begin there when trying to solve it. You can do this in a couple ways:

• Keep it clean – The first step in battling pollen is to keep your car clean. Anytime you see that unsightly yellow film, hose your ride down. Do this by running to the car wash or pulling out the garden hose and giving your car a good rinse. With the garden hose method, if you have time to follow up with a soap and rinse, it’ll be even better for your car.
• Wax on, pollen off – Another way to keep pollen’s damaging effects at bay is to regularly get a wash and wax. Wax isn’t going to stop the pollen from coming, but it will certainly protect your paint job from the environmental scourge.

Other Pollen Problems

Pollen is small, and it can get into every nook and cranny of your vehicle. There are other things you’ll want to check during or after pollen season. Start with your windshield wiper fluid. It’s extremely helpful to make sure you keep it full. Don’t know where to find it? Pull out the manual, or look up the online manual and pop the hood. Adding windshield wiper fluid is as simple as removing a cap, pouring liquid you bought at the auto parts store into the reservoir and replacing the cap.

Another windshield task to perform is to periodically wipe your wipers down. This can prevent buildup of pollen paste that will spread itself across your windshield. Plan on cleaning your wipers once a week by using a damp cloth to rub built-up pollen off.

Your last task is to check your filters, both the engine air filter and interior cabin filter. When filters are clogged and dirty they can do things like give you poor air quality inside your car and affect fuel economy. Here’s how you’ll check and change them:

• Interior cabin filter: Your interior cabin filter helps you breathe easier, so if you already suffer from allergies, a dirty filter can make your car a miserable place to be. To change it, check your manual, or look it up online. Buy a new filter from a dealer or your local auto parts store. Follow the directions to replace it. The internet is a fantastic tool—if you’re having problems, simply look for videos or picture tutorials for your vehicle’s make and model about how to change an interior cabin filter. If all else fails, have your auto mechanic to do it.
• Engine air filter: Your engine air filter collects dust, debris and bugs and keeps them out of your engine. If you’re not sure how often to replace it, consult your vehicle’s manual.  Most experts recommend doing it every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. By planning to replace your engine air filter at the end of pollen season each year, your timing is just about perfect, especially when you live in an area rich in dirt, dust and pollen. Remember, dirty air filters can have a negative impact on your fuel economy, so the cost of replacing the filter annually can help you gain that money back. Again, to replace, follow instructions or enlist the help of an expert. It’s important to learn to at least check your own filter. One popular mechanic scam is to show you a dirty one in the hopes that you’ll replace it even when you don’t need to.

Keeping your Ride Beautiful and Running Smooth throughout the Seasons

Your ride is susceptible to a number of weather- and seasonal-related issues. If you’re an organized person, jot down when and what to take care of, and don’t forget to add pollen season to your list. If you’re more a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants type of person—just remember—every time you see the bright yellow powder, it’s time to exert a little effort to keep your car in tip-top shape.