For many Americans, springtime is also allergy time. And while you can't avoid all allergens in the world around you, you can take steps to minimize them where you spend time. While most people think about reducing allergy causes inside their home, they may not pay as much attention to their car.
The average U.S. driver spends about one hour per day in the car, but many spend much more time than that. And doing so can wreak havoc on sensitive respiratory systems if there are allergens inside your car. So what can you do to limit these allergy exposures in your car or truck? Here are five easy steps to take.
1. Wash Regularly
The first line of defense against springtime allergens - dust, mold from rains, and pollen on plants and trees - is your vehicle's tough exterior. All these pesky molecules will land on the vehicle and be carried around with it. Every time you touch the car, get in or out, and open the trunk, you expose yourself to those allergens. These molecules can also easily become sucked inside the vehicle.
Fend off these problems by washing the exterior of the vehicle often during high allergy seasons. If you park underneath trees or around dusty areas, you may want to increase your washes even more.
2. Vacuum and Shampoo
Vacuum the car's fabrics and carpets whenever possible. Pollen and dust mites become more easily trapped in fabrics than in non-organic materials. And fabrics don't get washed out as often as easy-to-clean hard surfaces. So make a point of vacuuming well each time you wash the car. And take the time to have the car properly shampooed at regular intervals during spring and summer.
3. Use the Air Conditioner
Turn on the air conditioning in your vehicle when driving rather than opening vents and windows to the outdoors. While it may not be as good for your gas mileage, it will be better for your lungs. Wind carries all sorts of potential allergens into the car's interior, whereas the air conditioning filters out the air. If you use the vent system with air conditioning, opt for recirculating air instead out outside air.
4. Remove Debris
Promptly remove any trash, junk, and debris from your car as soon as possible. In the rainy springtime, fabrics from trash get wet easily - and then they can sit in the trunk or on seats and form mold, unbeknownst to the driver. This mold can easily cause dangerous allergy flare-ups for many sufferers.
Form a habit of checking the car every time you arrive at home. Minimize clothing, shoes, toys, and fast food items brought into the vehicle in the first place. Get a small garbage bag for the car and encourage everyone to use it. Finally, when washing the vehicle, be sure to look and vacuum underneath seats and inside the trunk.
5. Corral Pets
You love your pets, but they can be sources of irritation to your allergies. When pets shed their winter coats during the warm spring, you may want to corral them into the back of the car or in kennels for car rides.
Not one to put the dog in the back? Use a protective cover when they sit on the upholstery, then remove the cover to wash promptly. Brush pets and dry off their dirty feet thoroughly before letting them in the car. It may be inconvenient to your furry friends for a while, but it will help keep you safe.
No matter what type of allergens you react to, by taking preventative measures this spring, you'll have a more enjoyable time as the weather turns warm. And Grand Prix Car Washis here to help. Check out our extensive and customizable menu of wash and detail services today.
