Pollen can have harmful effects on cars
If you leave the pollen on your car for too long, its acidity could cause corroding, leaving unsightly marks, especially once it is wet. Dark vehicles seem particularly vulnerable to this acidic erosion.
It’s allergy season, a time of itchy eyes and runny noses. But these aren’t the only challenges that come with a high pollen count – that powdery menace can also have some harmful effects on your car. While struggling with allergies, you might wonder: Can pollen damage my car’s paint?
“When viewed under a microscope, you will see pollen grains are spiky. It’s unlikely that these microscopic grains will scratch your car’s paint. Unlikely, but not impossible,” warns Barend Smit, Marketing Director of MotorHappy.
“If you live in a high pollen area, it’s advisable to wash your car frequently. Take care when washing your car, particularly if your car’s paint is already dull because a dull surface is more prone to being scratched.”
If you leave the pollen on your car for too long, its acidity could cause corroding, leaving unsightly marks, especially once it is wet. Dark vehicles seem particularly vulnerable to this acidic erosion.
“Besides paint damage, pollen can make its way into your car’s cabin, making it uncomfortable for any allergy sufferers,” says Smit. “Over time, your car’s air and pollen filters can become clogged. If this happens, airflow is blocked, and air quality could be lowered. Blocked pollen and air filters also impact engine performance and fuel economy. If you live in a high-pollen area, it is worthwhile having these changed every spring, or at least every two years.
Most major car services include new pollen and air filters.”
Below are a few tips on how to wash your car to prevent pollen damage:
– Wash your car regularly.
– Avoid using automatic car washes.
– Follow up with a high-quality car wax. The wax will create a high-gloss shield and a low-friction texture, and it will shed dirt and pollen more quickly.
