Pollen Season Has Arrived

Spring has arrived here at New York City, and although the start of warmer weather means flowers and blooming trees, it also means an overload of pollen is in the air. From constant sneezing and sniffling to that nasty yellow film on your car, pollen season can be a headache. We have everything you need to know about proper car care during the spring.

Washing pollen off your car is important because it can damage the paint and clear coat. Pollen has microscopic spikes and a sticky substance that can cause abrasion and etching, leading to long-term damage. Regular car washes help remove pollen and prevent these issues.

Along with potential damage to your paint, pollen can also find its way into your cabin, potentially triggering allergies for both you and your passengers. This is the most critical stage in pollen removal. So when you visit the carwash, don't forget to ask the oil technician to check your cabin filter. If it is full of pollen and dust, it is best to change it right away.

1. What Is Pollen Season And When Does IT Start/End?

Pollen is a powdery substance produced by trees, flowers, grasses, and weeds to fertilize plants of the same species. Different plants can produce pollen at different times of the year. Typically, tree pollen pops up in early to mid-March. While grass pollen, weed pollen, and ragweed pollen can start later into the spring and last into the late summer months or early fall.

2. What Does This Mean For Your vehicle?

Although the spring means leaving behind the cold weather, it brings a whole new problem into sight: problematic pollen. By itself, the pollen doesn’t pose much of a problem. However, left untreated, it’s acidity can actually corrode the body of your car and cause damage to the paint. There are several precautions you can take during pollen season to ensure your car stays clean, protected, and maintains its value.

3. Do You Have To Wash Your Car More Often?

Wash your car every other day. It’s recommended to get pollen off your car as soon as possible, not just when you start to see a yellow build-up on the outside. The longer you leave pollen on your car, the more damage it can do and the harder it will be to get completely off.

4. Why Washing The Interior Is So Important?

Pollen can also make its way into your interior. By using our vacuums or detailing air, you can make sure your seats, dashboard and other areas are pollen free. You’ll also want to check your cabin air filter. Build-up of large amounts of pollen can cause a clog, meaning your car will be circulating allergy-causing air.

5. Why Add Extra Layers Of Protection?

Wax and ceramic coating are two components of Caliber’s top wash that add extra protection for your exterior. Our ceramic coating creates a protective layer on top of a car’s paint, so it can help prevent harmful elements, including pollen, from damaging your paint job. For additional safeguarding, make sure to run your car through the wash before pollen season to prepare.

6. Don't Let The Rain Wash Off The Pollen

After a spring shower, you may notice that the yellow film on your car has vanished! Unfortunately, that isn’t enough. Just because it rains, and your car looks clean, doesn’t mean the pollen is completely gone. Pollen’s acidity is commonly activated by water, which means it can actually cause more damage to let rain wash your car. To get rid of all the pollen particles eating away at your paint, make sure to wash your car thoroughly with soap.

Wash Away The Pollen

Damage to Paint:

Pollen can be abrasive and, over time, can eat away at the car's clear coat and paint, leading to a dull or pitted finish.

Scratch Potential:

The spikes on pollen can scratch the car's surface if you try to brush it off without washing it away first, says Red Clay Detailing.

Long-Term Deterioration:

Left undisturbed, pollen can cause permanent stains and damage to the car's exterior.

Allergies:

Pollen can also contribute to allergy symptoms for car occupants.

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Replace Your Cabin Filter

A dirty cabin air filter can accumulate pollen, impacting both the car's HVAC system and air quality for the occupants. A clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing the HVAC system to work harder, potentially causing damage or reduced efficiency. Additionally, a dirty filter can circulate allergy-causing pollen and other contaminants, affecting those with sensitivities.So when you visit our facility, ask the oil technician to check your cabin filter for a

1. Allergens: Pollen and other allergens are filtered out by the cabin air filter, preventing them from entering the passenger cabin and causing allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, or itchy eyes.

2. Air Quality: A clean cabin air filter ensures that the air entering the vehicle is free of pollutants, dust, and pollen, improving air quality for drivers and passengers.

3. HVAC Efficiency: A dirty or clogged filter can restrict airflow through the air conditioning and heating system, reducing its efficiency and potentially causing it to overheat.

4. Overall Health: Breathing in pollutants and allergens can be harmful, especially for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions. Changing the cabin air filter regularly can help protect your health.

Why Is It Important To Change The Cabin Air Filter During Pollen Season?