It’s a known fact that people worldwide pay allergists and immunologists dearly for their allergy to pollen2. But what about your car? This may amaze you, but pollen’s effect on your car may cost you heavily.
Pollen grains are tiny particles, that plants such as weeds, trees and grasses release to fertilize the same plant species elsewhere.2 The wind easily carries the small, dry pollen grains to other distant places. 2
Prevention is better than cure, goes the saying, so let’s look at the following steps to minimize pollen’s effect on your car.1
- Pollen can block a car’s air filter
The function of an air filter is to trap any dirt, dust and pollen and prevent them from entering the engine and causing damage.1 Unsurprisingly, such small pollen particles can clog up a car’s air filter. 1 In the same way that you can only breathe well when inhaling clean air, a car’s engine can only work optimally if the air filter is clean. 1 If your vehicle has a clogged air filter, it will struggle to perform, working almost twice as hard. 1 The fuel consumption goes up due to all the extra engine strain. 1 A dirty air filter can also affect your air conditioner and the air that circulates in your vehicle. 1
- Pollen can damage your car’s paintwork
Pollen sticks to your car’s paintwork through its tiny spikes. 2 But, most importantly, pollen causes the greatest damage because of its acidity. 2 Unfortunately, water activates the acidity, so pollen damage will begin in earnest after any rain. 2
The only way to maintain your car’s paintwork is to clean it once a week with soap and water or as soon as possible.1 Wash the car in different sections and avoid using the same dirty water from a bucket. 1 Neglecting to wash regularly can result in paint damage and possibly rust. 1
It’s not enough to only clean the paintwork – you also need to protect it afterwards by using car wax or sealant as a coating.2,3 After applying these, it will be much easier to clean the car. 2,3 The more often you apply, the more protected the paintwork will be from all the elements, including the sun’s harmful UV rays. 2,3
- Pollen can destroy your car’s interior
Pollen can enter your vehicle when you drive with open windows or when you open your car door. 1 Vacuum your car weekly to remove any dirt and pollen particles that may have started to collect in any cracks and openings inside the car. 1 Again, neglecting to do this can damage your car’s interior over time. 1
Remember, you are doing this because you’ll want to sell a nice, shiny car eventually.
Another way to protect your car is to buy adequate car insurance. PMD offers you affordable car insurance products, so why not contact them and find out more?
Disclaimer
Because of car insurance’s complexity, this article can only provide information. Consult a certified financial advisor for professional guidance if you wish to purchase car insurance.
Sources:
1https://uwrenchitonline.com/how-pollen-affects-your-vehicle-what-you-can-do-about-it/
2https://www.aafa.org/pollen-allergy/#:~:text=Most%20of%20the%20pollen%20that,you%20have%20a%20pollen%20allergy.
3https://cleanmachine-carwash.com/pollen-damage-paint/
Disclaimer:
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views and opinions of Prime Meridian Direct (Pty) Ltd, FSP41040 (car insurance and life cover products). The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.