The wildfires this season have been the worst ever and there are still more flare-ups. We’ve had weeks of soot-filled days in Los Angeles and the winter weather looks to be dry enough to ignite more fires. Do California wildfires damage your car? They can if you get enough ash and soot on it. There are ways you can protect your automobile from wildfire damage. Boulevard Auto Repair lists some suggestions below.
Before the Fires
If you see that a wildfire is getting close enough to you to fill the air with ash and soot, put your automobile into the garage and park in garages whenever you’re out and about if you can. If you cannot park your vehicle in a garage, cover it with a well-fitted car cover to make sure the ash and soot that fall on the car do not make their way to the paint. It’s better to buy a car cover designed to fit your specific model so that you have a snug fit that cannot loosen or fly off in the Santa Ana winds, which are also in abundance right now in Los Angeles County. Check and change the air filter regularly, as well, during wildfires, as they clog up quicker and can damage your engine when the outside air is polluted.
After the Fires
Despite your best efforts, you might still find your vehicle covered in a layer of wildfire residue. How you handle the residue will determine whether your car, truck, crossover, or SUV gets damaged by it. Don’t wipe off the ashes or soot; they might appear fine and feel soft to the touch, but they can scratch your paint. Don’t turn on your windshield wipers to clean the windshield, either, for the same reason; the soot can scratch your windshield glass. It’s better to wash your car gently to remove the soot, i.e.:
- Rinse your car gently with the hose
- Make sure to rinse off all the ash and soot
- Wash it with auto shampoo and a soft cloth
- Rinse the car again to clear the shampoo
- Check the rubber, i.e. wiper blades, window seals, bumper for soot
- Wipe the soot away from the rubber implements with a soft cloth
- Dry the car only after you’re certain all ash and soot are gone
- Wax the car to protect it from further wildfire pollution damage
Doing this will remove the wildfire residue and protect it during the next wildfire. Bring your automobile to Boulevard Auto Repair in Sherman Oaks, CA, for an inspection. We’ll check the air filter and ventilation system for soot damage.
