As spring blooms into full force, so does one of its less welcome guests: pollen season. While we often think about how pollen affects our allergies, many people don't realize how much it can impact their vehicles too. From clogging air filters to damaging your car’s paint, pollen can create costly issues if left unchecked. With May’s heavy pollen season upon us, now is the perfect time to understand how to protect your vehicle—and take advantage of $50 off any service over $250 at Old Town Auto!
The Hidden Dangers of Pollen to Your Vehicle
You might notice your car looking a little yellow after a windy day, but pollen does more than just make your vehicle look dirty. Here are the major ways pollen can wreak havoc:
1. Clogged Air Filters
Your vehicle's cabin air filter and engine air filter are your first lines of defense against pollen. When they become clogged, you may experience reduced airflow from your AC system, unpleasant odors inside the car, or even decreased fuel efficiency. A dirty cabin filter can also allow allergens into the interior, making your daily drive miserable if you suffer from allergies.
2. Paint and Finish Damage
Pollen isn’t just dusty—it’s acidic. When it sits on your car's surface and mixes with moisture (think morning dew or rain), it can bond to your paint and begin to eat away at the clear coat. Over time, this can cause dullness, discoloration, and even permanent damage if not properly cleaned off.
3. Clogged Ventilation Systems
Tiny pollen particles can slip into your vehicle’s ventilation system, clogging it up and reducing your heating and cooling efficiency. Worse, those allergens can circulate in your car's interior every time you turn on the air, exacerbating respiratory issues.
4. Reduced Visibility
Pollen often sticks to windows and windshield wipers, creating streaky, blurry surfaces that can impair visibility. Dirty wipers can smear pollen even more, making it difficult to see clearly—especially when driving into direct sunlight.
How to Protect Your Vehicle During Pollen Season
Thankfully, a few simple steps can go a long way toward protecting your car from the harsh effects of pollen:
1. Regularly Wash Your Vehicle
Frequent car washes are essential during pollen season. Focus on thorough washes that remove all the pollen from the exterior, including under the hood and in crevices where it likes to hide. Hand-washing is ideal because automated car washes may not remove all the sticky residue.
Tip: Use a high-quality automotive shampoo that’s designed to lift pollen and contaminants without scratching your paint.
2. Apply a Protective Wax
Adding a layer of wax acts as a shield between your car’s paint and harmful environmental elements like pollen, UV rays, and acid rain. A good wax application in early May can provide protection for weeks and make future washes much easier.
3. Replace Air Filters
Inspect and replace your cabin air filter and engine air filter regularly—especially in spring. A clean cabin filter ensures the air you breathe inside your car is allergen-free, while a clean engine filter helps your vehicle run smoothly and efficiently.
At Old Town Auto, we recommend checking your filters every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, but heavy pollen seasons may require more frequent changes.
4. Protect Your Interior
Vacuum your car’s carpets and seats often to remove any pollen that gets inside. Consider using protective floor mats and seat covers during peak pollen months. Keeping windows closed as much as possible can also prevent pollen from building up inside your vehicle.
5. Check Your Wipers and Windshield
Clean your windshield regularly and inspect your wipers for wear. If your wipers leave streaks, it’s time for a replacement. Clear visibility is vital, especially when dealing with pollen haze on the roads.
Take Action This Pollen Season – And Save!
Don’t wait until pollen causes costly damage to your vehicle. Protect your investment now by scheduling a maintenance service at Old Town Auto!
Special Offer:
🎉 $50 off any service over $250 🎉
Take advantage of this limited-time deal to get your filters changed, your vehicle detailed, or any other maintenance needs checked off your list.
👉 Click here >>> Make an Appointment <<< to schedule your appointment and breathe easy this spring!