Can pollen ruin your car's interior & exterior?
Some people call pollen the snow of the south, while others sneeze their way through spring, counting down the days until summer.
That yellow haze in the air are particles of pollen that must land somewhere, and our cars seem to bear the brunt of Mother Nature’s colorful dust.
The most visible remnants remain on our cars until we run our wipers and swish away enough of the pollen to see through the windshield. But what is happening with all the pollen on the paint? The experts at Autobell® are here to break down the facts, dispel the myths, and make the next pollen season less impactful on your car.
Here are a few commonly asked questions to help you play offense during pesky pollen season:
Does pollen ruin car paint?
The pollen itself has no corrosive effect, so while pollen cannot ruin your paint on its own, taking the wrong approach to cleaning it off can. “You never want to harm the finish by wiping off pollen with a dry cloth or shammy,” says David Reep, Operations Manager for Autobell®, “wiping abrasive materials like pollen across the car’s paint can damage the finish.”
What is the best way to remove pollen from your car?
According to Reep, the best way to remove pollen from your car and avoid damage to the surface have your vehicle professionally cleaned, so it treats your vehicle's paint with soaps and solutions before the freshwater rinse when exiting the car wash tunnel. Hand washing at home not only uses more water, but if you are not using the correct soap and solutions, you can do more harm than good.
Having your car cleaned at a professional car wash ensures your car is receiving the appropriate products to remove pollen and other debris while not damaging your paint finish.
What is the best way to keep pollen off your car?
The best way to keep pollen off your car is by keeping your car polished. As you treat the car with polish to keep surfaces consistently clean, it will naturally reduce the pollen's ability to cling to your vehicle's finish.
"Autobell®'s AUTOGLOSS and Double Polyprocess create a protective coat and also prevent pollen and other road grime from adhering to the finish," says Reep. "These products help prevent pollen from damaging your paint and help to keep your headlights and windshield clear for better safety and visibility."
What about the yellow spots or stains that appear sometimes?
Sometimes rain will leave behind spots, and here is why. If left wet, pollen will attract and adhere to water droplets and leave what appears to be spots or stains. Having your car cleaned professionally and hand-dried will remove pollen stains from car paint.
“Autobell® uses a high-quality microfiber towel to make sure your car’s surface is completely dry and pollen-free”, says Reep.
What is the best way to clean pollen from the interior of my car?
For the allergy sufferers out there, keeping your car pollen-free on the inside is a good way to breathe easier. Regularly having your car’s interior cleaned professionally will keep your surfaces spotless and help hold the resale value. Additionally, changing your cabin air filter as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer will reduce the amount of pollen particles entering the interior.
What are some ways to prevent pollen buildup on my car?
If you live in an area where pollen takes precedence, here are some tips to take matters into your own hands:
- Consider having your car professionally washed more frequently.
- If you can, keep your car parked in a garage or under a carport or cover.
- Avoid parking around and under trees. It may provide a shady spot, but your car is where the pollen will go to rest!
Visit our services and pricing page for more information to help you prevent pollen buildup on your vehicle.