As spring and summer roll through the Rio Grande Valley, a slew of allergens come along with the changing seasons.

If you find yourself suffering from allergies, follow these quick tips for allergy-proofing your vehicle!

Use the A/C

Driving with the windows rolled down may bring in a great breeze–but also pollen spores! If you want to keep cool during pollen season, turn on your vehicle’s A/C! Be sure to put it on recirculating mode, as to not pull in pollen from the outside.

Clean the Air Filter

The air filter keeps out dust and small debris out of the vehicle’s engine and keeps the cabin air clean. A clogged air filter can not only blow allergens into the cabin, but it loses its effectiveness to keep the engine safe.

It is recommended to change your vehicle’s air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. Though, it is best to consult the vehicle’s owner manual for specific instructions for your vehicle.

Clean the Interior

Allergens can end up in your vehicle by blowing in or transferring in from your clothes. Keep the allergens low by vacuuming the carpets and the seats (if they are fabric) with a HEPA vacuum filter.

Wipe down all surfaces with a damp cloth or Clorox wipe to remove any dust from the dashboard, control panel, vents, and anything else that you see has dust.

Be sure to clean out your vehicle of any old food, wet clothes, and anything else that may cause mold spores to grow. Mold spores love to grow in moist areas, so keep your interior dry to avoid mold.

Keep up with the Exterior

As much as you keep up with the interior, you have to mind the exterior too. It’s best to keep up with cleaning the exterior of your vehicle to keep the pollen buildup at bay.

Regularly wash and wax your vehicle to protect your vehicle’s paint from the pollen. While waxing does not completely keep pollen off your vehicle, it protects your vehicle’s paint from being damaged by the environmental fallout.

Payne Auto Group

Payne Auto Group has SIX service centers around the Rio Grande Valley that take care of all vehicles regardless of make or model. View our service specials and schedule a service appointment online!