Drivers in the UK are being asked to wax their cars now before flowers begin blooming in order to protect their cars from being damaged by pollen. Pollen might seem harmless, but it is made of rough, microscopic particles that are extremely sticky, and it is common for it to scratch car paint when people try to wipe it with a cloth. When pollen is mixed with water, it can also create a streaky film on windows that is hard to see through and is difficult to clear without also scratching the glass.
The experts at Andy’s Autowash have shared the absolute “best solution” to keep pollen away from a car is to get it waxed before spring begins in a few weeks' time. They said: “Waxing makes the surface of your car slippery. This prevents pollen from sticking to it and protects the paint of your car.
“Ideally, it is highly recommended to get your car waxed before spring sets in because once spring is in, you might end up trapping a little pollen under the layer of wax, and this means your car is doomed.”
Spring will officially begin in the UK on March 20, which means drivers only have two weeks to apply a protective wax to their car.
However, it is best to do it as soon as possible, as mid-March is when pollen will start appearing everywhere, and the warmer weather will trigger flowers to bloom.
It is much easier to prevent pollen from getting into every nook of a vehicle, but it is possible to stop it from scratching a car as long as you are very careful when washing it.
If you live in the city, you will likely need to wash your car once a week in spring to fully get rid of pollen, and if you live in the countryside, you will have to clean it twice a week.
To begin, do not use washing-up liquid, as it is not designed to preserve your car paint and instead, buy a car shampoo.
After applying car shampoo, rinse the pollen off with a hose fitted with a pressure nozzle, and follow up with a second rinse to make sure your car is completely clean.
Make sure to use a soft sponge when drying a car and do not use a cloth or paper towel as they can scratch a car.
Pollen can also quickly clog air filters and coat windshield wipers in spring, so get into the habit of checking them after every wash.