Pesky Pollen and More: How to Protect Your Car from the Symptoms of Spring

April 2, 2020

Spring is one of the worst times to be a car owner. While April showers might save you a trip to the car wash, there are plenty of other issues that can leave you shelling out for costly repairs and fixes. The proper maintenance can keep most of these issues at bay but there are still a slew of spring issues that can cause havoc on your car.

Whether you’re a new car owner — after all, more than 40 million used cars change hands each year — or have been maintaining the same engine for years, here’s what you should know about how to protect your car during the inclement weather of spring.

Watch out for hail

Even though warm weather is on its way, that doesn’t mean spring is ready to let go of its chilly past. As spring showers approach, we will likely have to deal with a few errant hail storms in the meantime.

This is bad news for car owners that lack a garage or other protective equipment. Some hailstones can grow to the size of golf balls and result in broken windows, dented bodies, and chipped paint. Hail damage alone can take one to three days to repair, making it a costly fix for drivers up north.

The best way to protect your car from hail damage is to keep a close eye on the weather, especially if you don’t have a garage or carport to shield your vehicle. If hail is on the way, make the necessary efforts to cover your car or get it under a shielded area for safe-keeping. Even parking your car under a tree in a hailstorm can help dissuade hailstones from reaching your car. Investing in a car cover is a great way to prevent physical damage and keep your car protected for years to come.

Protect from pollen

In spring, the unrivaled enemy of your car is pollen. These fine particles are abundant when the weather gets nice and they don’t discriminate between nice cars and beaten-up roadsters. If pollen coats your car, you might have to deal with paint damage, rust, and worse. Luckily, there are ways to combat against this fervent foe.

One of the best ways to stop pollen from wreaking havoc on your car is by waxing and polishing its exterior before pollen season arrives. It usually takes a couple of weeks for pollen to reach its peak, giving you ample time to get the job done right.

If you have a good paint sealant, this is all the better. These tools form a slick layer of protection between your car and the elements, including pollen. You will notice that pollen doesn’t stick to your car as much after a professional details the inside and outside of your vehicle, thus causing less damage. These protective coatings can also help against damage from bird droppings and other common spring issues.

However, you should be worried about more than just the outside of your car. The inside is just as important, especially when it comes to keeping your occupants safe. Changing your car’s air filters is an important part of car maintenance. Not only will changing the filters help your car run more efficiently, but it will also prevent harmful pollen and debris from impacting your passengers. Change the air filters regularly to prevent pollen build-up from ruining your spring road trips.

Rain, rain, go away

Thunderstorms and spring showers are a hallmark of the season. While it keeps your car looking great if you’re on a budget, these storms aren’t always the easiest to drive in. In fact, weather plays a factor in over 21% of crashes in the United States, including thunderstorms.

After all, rain makes it harder to see the lines on the road — and other cars in your blindspots. A sudden storm can also lead to flash floods and hydroplaning issues among cars with worn-down tires. If you’re driving in the middle of a storm, take it slow and be sure to turn on your lights. It can be easy to forget, but this is required by law when your windshield wipers are on. Prepare for spring storms by rotating your tires, waxing your windshield, and making sure your car is road-ready.

Everyone is looking forward to spring, but that doesn’t mean your car is. Follow these tips when you want your car to survive the symptoms of a new season.