Pollen season comes back around faster than Christmas, right? It seems like we just finished battling the yellow dust on our vehicles and now we’re back at it.
No worries. As long as you don’t let those little particles stay stuck to your car or truck. See, regular car washes can keep pollen from doing serious damage to your paint. Oh yeah, bet you didn’t know pollen’s dirty secret (Fact #1)— it’s highly acidic, which is the last thing you want touching your vehicle’s surface.
Super-prepared drivers will use car wax or ZIPS Car Wash Z5x Ceramic Coating before pollen season hits. But those people are miles ahead of the game. So if you didn’t prepare, you can still prevent paint damage by washing your car regularly so the pollen’s acid has no time to do permanent damage.
There’s more to it though.
What Even the Most Prepared Drivers Fail to Protect
Your vehicle interior needs protection from dusty pollen too. And what’s in the interior? Humans! You and your family don’t want to inhale pollen (that’s for the bees).
Two air filters need to be checked before and during pollen season:
Cabin air filter
Engine air filter
First, the cabin filter keeps outside dust and tiny debris from drifting inside your vehicle. A clean filter is even more vital for people with severe allergies.
Inhaling pollen can lead to “allergic conjunctivitis” causing red, watery, itchy eyes
Pollen can also trigger asthma attacks in asthma sufferers
Second, we bet you didn’t realize the engine air filter can protect the engine from costly long-term damage (Fact #2). Engine problems from clogged filters can turn getting from point A to point B into a footrace, because you’ll be on foot.
Not to mention, in the short term, a dirty engine air filter can reduce your fuel economy since the motor has to work harder.
Clearly, it’s smart to check both types of air filters during pollen season. Some drivers check these filters while at the car wash, washing off exterior pollen since it’s on their minds. Also, these filters are typically very affordable. For example, both types can be found for under $20 each on the most popular vehicle in the U.S. (Ford F-Series truck).
Pollen Protection Tips from the Experts
Did you know that ignoring pollen on the interior of your vehicle can increase the allergic effects of pollen on you and your passengers? Pollen particles can easily reach inside your vehicle through the ventilation system, your windows, and open doors. ZIPS’ self-serve complimentary turbo vacuums, microfiber towels and spray cleaner are available for use after your car wash to help remove and reduce allergens this time of year.
Here are four tips from the ZIPS Car Wash experts:
Consider using a high-quality wax or paint sealant to provide an extra layer of protection against pollen and other environmental contaminants. ZIPS Premier Car Wash includes these protective ceramic and wax products, saving you time and protecting your vehicle.
Vacuum your car’s interior frequently, especially the seats and floor mats, to remove pollen that may have settled inside. Ignoring pollen on the interior of your vehicle can increase the allergic effects of pollen on you and your passengers. All 200+ ZIPS locations include self-serve, complimentary turbo vacuums.
Wipe down windows, mirrors, and dashboard surfaces with a damp microfiber cloth to quickly remove pollen and prevent it from spreading. ZIPS' complimentary microfiber towels and spray cleaner are available for use after your car wash to help remove and reduce allergens this time of year.
Wash often with ZIPS Unlimited® - now available on our basic wash. New to our menu, you can now wash your car every day for only $20/month. So shine all pollen season long with our most budget-friendly wash club package.
Pollen Season Wrap-Up
Prevention is the best cure for pollen. But the next best thing is dropping by the car wash as often as possible when pollen counts are sky-high. Even a quick rinse is better than nothing at all to protect your ride from sticky, acidic pollen.
When you've got time to spare, consider checking all the cracks and crevices inside your ride and out for passed-over pollen residue. If you stop by a ZIPS Car Wash, just use our free vacs, towels, and surface cleaner to check and clean:
Around vehicle emblems (Chevy logo for example)
Inner door edges
Windshield wiper blades
Seats / floor mats
Hood and trunk edges
Gas cap area
Crevices of side-view mirrors
Interior of the windshield (also a common place for dust buildup)
Because (as you know!) this seasonal yellow dust can end up everywhere!
Oh, and don’t blame the bees. Why? Fact #3: It turns out butterflies, hummingbirds, bats, and other critters also spread pollen.