Spring Is Pollen Season — Here's What That Means for Your Car
Pollen season in Middle Tennessee is something else. Franklin goes from bare trees to a yellow film on every surface in what feels like a week, and your car catches more of it than almost anything else outside. Beyond the cosmetic annoyance, pollen has a few effects on your vehicle worth knowing about. Your cabin air filter is taking the hit. Every breath of outside air that comes through your HVAC system passes through this filter first. During peak pollen season — March through May here in Franklin — it gets loaded up fast. A clogged cabin filter means reduced airflow from your vents, a harder-working blower motor, and a lot more pollen making it into the air you're breathing inside the car. If your allergies seem worse in the car than outside, a dirty cabin filter is often the reason. These filters are inexpensive and quick to replace, and the difference in air quality is noticeable immediately. Your paint is also taking a slow hit. Pollen is mildly acidic and bonds to your paint surface, especially when moisture is involved. Wash your car regularly during pollen season and keep a coat of wax on the paint to make cleanup easier and protect the clear coat. Your washer fluid matters more than usual too. The combination of pollen and morning dew creates a hazy film on your windshield that gets blinding in direct sunlight. Keep your reservoir full and make sure your spray nozzles are clear. Come by Lubrication Corner in Franklin this spring and we'll swap out your cabin air filter while we're doing your oil change. One stop, better air, better drive.
