Car cleaning tips you must remember after ash fall

One of the year’s first weekends ended with the news of Taal Volcano’s eruption. Citizens were stunned as ash columns, lightning strikes, and finally lava spewed from its crater. 

Even Metro Manila was affected by light ash fall, bringing back memories of the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo back in 1991. Were you stuck on the road during the onslaught of the ash fall? Keep your car in tip-top shape with these tips: 

Wear protective gear

Volcanic ash is made up of abrasive particles and can irritate your skin, eyes, nose, and throat. Use goggles and a dust mask when going outside to clean your vehicle. Gear up and wear a long-sleeved shirt, pants, or even a raincoat to minimize skin exposure.

Use a pressure washer or a garden hose

It’s not advisable to brush away or wipe down the ash as this can cause scratches on your vehicle’s exterior. Use pressurized water or hose down ash particles, instead. 

Drench windshield and clean windshield wipers 

Don’t use your windshield wipers dry as this can scratch ash-coated windshields. Use a pressure washer or even a water bottle to clean first. 

Check your engine 

If you drove through heavy ash fall, make sure to bring your car to your dealer to have your engine thoroughly cleaned. 

Check your air filter 

Check your air filter, oil filter, and brake pads if affected. Replace your air filter if needed .

Vacuum inside the car

If ash particles reached the inside of your car, vacuum or use a damp cloth to clean. It’s best to avoid rubbing on the surface. 

Keep ashes away from water drainage to avoid clogging

Lastly, take proper care in disposing of ash. Collect the ash particles and keep them in garbage bags to prevent clogging the sewage system.