AS the weather gets warmer, it’s a great time for Brits to get outside or enjoy a long road trip in the sunshine.
Sadly, for the millions of hayfever sufferers in the UK, the season holds no little amount of dread.
Wheezing and sneezing behind the wheel is not only annoying but it could also be dangerous.
Indeed, you could find yourself slapped with a £1,000 fine if you lose control of your car while wiping your eyes or sneezing.
With that in mind, experts from Saga shared five steps you can take to pollen-proof your car this summer.
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Motoring expert Ali Ingram-Seal said: “While spring brings warmer weather and blue skies, it also marks the beginning of pollen season for 1 in 5 adults in Britain.
“Pollen allergies can make driving an uncomfortable and difficult task when experiencing symptoms like watery, itchy eyes and excessive sneezing.
“However, some little-known car hacks can help alleviate symptoms while on the road.”
Squeaky clean
The first step to a pollen-free car is a deep clean of the interior.
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When you have a bit of spare time at the start of spring, crack out the car spray and rubber gloves and give the upholstery a good scrub down.
This will wipe away any pollen grains caught on the material and give you a head start on allergy season.
Just make sure to vacuum once you’ve finished to catch any little bits that are left over after you’ve finished.
Key change
Ali revealed that a quick and easy DIY job could make all the difference when it comes to beating hayfever.
He explained: “Most modern vehicles are fitted with pollen filters which prevent potential allergens from entering the cabin when the air conditioning is being used.
“However, these filters tend to become clogged and inefficient over time and are rarely replaced.
“Drivers then often resort to opening their windows instead on a warm day which only exacerbates hay fever symptoms.”
The filter should be changed at least every 12,000 miles but once a year is a good idea.
Try changing it at the end of each winter ready for the warmer weather ahead.
Not only can this help hayfever but it can also prevent damp and mould in your motor.
Hit the button
Once you’ve changed your pollen filter, there is actually a button on your dashboard that can help to prolong its life.
The recirculation button, as the name suggests, makes the air con system recirculate the same air through the cabin repeatedly, rather than pulling in fresh air from outside.
This means that the air only has to be filtered once before it can keep you cool while staying free of pollen throughout your journey.
However, if you’re taking a longer trip, Ali recommended letting fresh air in now and again just so it doesn’t go stale.
Timing is everything
It may seem self-evident, but one of the best ways to reduce your pollen exposure is to travel outside of peak times for pollen count.
Try and plan your journey ahead and avoid the mornings and nights, which is when most plants release their pollen.
The best window is between about midday and nightfall, as the cooling temperature will make you less vulnerable to symptoms.
Easy swap
Finally, Ali urged hayfever sufferers to make an easy swap in their car to prevent pollen build up.
He said: “Consider removing carpet floor mats as pollen can very easily embed itself in the fibres.
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“Rubber floor mats are a great alternative to avoid this as they’re easy to clean and reduce the overall allergen levels in the cabin.”
New floor mats will only set you back about £10 so it’s a worthy investment at this time of year.
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Jacob Jaffa
