UK POLLEN BOMB COULD CAUSE HAVOC FOR MILLIONS OF CAR OWNERS THIS SUMMER
- Weather experts warn against first ‘very high’ pollen days of the year
- Experts at IMO Car Wash reveal the little-known damage that pollen can have on the nation’s cars
With temperatures set to soar in the coming weeks, weather experts have warned against the potential of a ‘pollen bomb’ hitting the UK imminently, with grass pollen skyrocketing this week. The ‘pollen bomb’ will see levels surge to ‘very high’ for the first time this year, after grass grew fast in the hottest spring since 1659, but then pollen release was suppressed by weeks of rain.
While many of us will be cursing the impact of this pollen surge on our hay fever, adding to woes, experts at IMO, the UK’s leading automatic car wash provider have warned that pesky pollen could also have a damaging effect on our cars. Many car owners are unaware of the impact that pollen can cause to the exteriors of our cars especially if they are left exposed for long periods of time. The most common effects include paint damage, which occurs when acidic pollen mixes with rainwater, meaning if left unwashed, it can cause serious damage to your car’s paintwork. In severe cases, the acidity of pollen can even lead to corrosion of metal parts, if the pollen is not cleaned properly. But attempting to clean it yourself could make the situation worse, as when pollen dries on car surfaces; it can be abrasive. As such, rubbing it off without proper washing can cause further damage to your vehicle.
Car owners may also be troubled by clogged filters or visibility issues as pollen can accumulate in air filters or build-up on windshields and windows, leading to reduced air quality inside the car and impairing vision when driving.
To protect your car this summer, experts at IMO have shared guidance on how to keep your car pollen free, recommending that a once-a-week wash, will act as the perfect antidote to pollen’s pesky effects and keep your car looking clean and most importantly damage free.
Justin Hall, Head of Engineering at IMO Car Wash, shares his guidance for protecting your car this summer. He said: “While people are often wary of how different weather can impact their car, it’s less common knowledge the damage pollen can cause to your vehicle.
“It’s important to recognise that if pollen has found its way onto your car, it needs to be cleaned off thoroughly, the safest way of doing so without leaving any damage our residue, is by taking it to a car wash."
“Waxing your car is a great way to protect it against pollen damage. Not only does waxing enhance the look of your vehicle, but it also protects your car from anything damaging. After waxing, a protective layer will separate pollen from your paint, whilst also making it harder for pollen to stick."
“Car owners should also take advantage of windshield water repellent. The increased slickness will make it difficult for pollen to stick to your windows, meaning there will be no visibility issues when driving.”
IMO Car Wash
IMO Car Wash is headquartered in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, UK. The company started washing cars in Germany in 1965, it has now grown to become the world’s largest car wash company, operating in over 715 locations in 12 countries across Europe and Australia, washing over 25 million cars annually. It’s market leading Triple Foam, Rain Guard, Ultra HD, and Ceramic XTR products are exclusive to IMO.