Spring is in full force, and despite the torrential downpours and record flooding that have plagued the St. Louis area this week, seasonal allergens are still very prevalent here in the metro area. If you need proof, step outside (preferably on a dry day) and look at the thick layer of yellow pollen that’s caked on the vehicles around you.
Today, we’re discussing the dangers pollen on car paint presents and how to safely remove these allergens to keep your vehicle’s exterior looking clean for seasons to come.
The Dangers of Pollen on Car Paint
Pollen appears harmless enough. Other than its ability to send millions of Americans into a sneezy frenzy, this airborne matter is nothing more than yellow, annoying dust. Right? Wrong.
While pollen on car paint, alone, posses no significant threat to your vehicle, the manner in which you remove these spores does.
At a microscopic level, pollen spores are nothing more than tiny spike-covered spheres. When these spheres rest on a surface, such as the exterior of a car, their abrasive shell is harmless. However, when these same spores are wiped away from the exterior of a car, especially without a lubricant like soap or water, pollen’s many microscopic spikes can actually leave visible scratches in a paint job.
As a result, you should never brush pollen off of your vehicle unless you are using the proper tools.
How to Safely Remove Pollen From Car Paint
The best way to keep your paint job safe from pollen’s coarse exterior is to ensure you use plenty of soap, water, and soft sponges, rags and towels. When hosing down and applying soap to each panel of your vehicle, ensure that you are generous with the suds. Remember, the more lubrication you can provide, the less likely pollen spores will be able to leave lasting marks on your paint.
Once you have carefully dried your vehicle off, take some time to give your paint job a wax. Although a fresh coat of wax cannot prevent pollen from falling onto your car, it can offer some additional protection the next time you clean your vehicle.
How Often You Should Wash Your Car
Naturally, some vehicles will appear to accumulate pollen quicker than others. For instance, dark-colored vehicles will seem to become dirty faster while lighter-colored vehicles can go longer in-between baths. Unfortunately, pollen doesn’t care what color a vehicle is; its abrasive surface will harm any paint job.
As a result, it is wise for you to wash your vehicle in accordance with the amount of pollen that is in your area: City dwellers may only need to wash their vehicle once every several weeks, while suburban citizens may need to wash their vehicle as often as once or twice a week.