How to Keep Pollen Off Your Car

Ah, spring. We’re basking in this cool weather and enjoying the outdoors now that spring is here. As much as we love March, April and May, there’s one thing about spring that we detest: pollen. Pollen causes allergies to flare up and it covers your car in a yellow film.

We’ve already seen flowers bloom on trees, but along with the pretty blooms, trees release pollen and it ends up on our cars, houses and all over the ground. If you’re outside for long enough during this time of year, you’ll end up with pollen all over you as well! Whether your vehicle is kept in a garage or parked outside all the time, you’re going to get pollen all over it this time of year.

Since spring brings so much rain throughout Arkansas, it’s sounds like a good idea to wait until the showers can wipe your car clean, right? Nope. That’s not always the best practice. The thing about pollen is, if it’s left too long on your car, it can start eating away at the paint. Yikes!

The first thing we suggest to restore your car’s shine is to wash it. After you’ve washed your car, whether you pay for it or do it by hand with a hose and a bucket, dry your car with a clean towel.

Immediately after your car is dry is the time to apply a wax solution. If you can see or feel the pollen in the air, skip this step because it’s not worth the risk of rubbing pollen into your car’s finish, which will again damage the paint. Waxing might not prevent a buildup of pollen, but it will help to protect your car’s finish.

We’ve been asked about taking a microfiber cloth and dusting off the pollen without washing first and we advise against that as it can cause scratches and rub pollen into the paint.

Once pollen season is over, you can go back to your normal car wash schedule and regimen.

Have questions about simple car maintenance, washing and waxing? Get in touch wth us and we’ll give you our suggestions!