Ashfall can damage your car too: Here's what you should do

CEBU CITY, Philippines — While ashfall can cause health problems, your car can also suffer lasting damage if exposed to volcanic ash.

So it is important to take the right steps after an ashfall to help prevent expensive repairs on your cars.

Volcanic ash may look like ordinary dust, but it is made up of tiny, abrasive rock particles that can scratch your car’s paint, damage the windshield, clog filters, and affect engine performance.

READ: Kanlaon ashfall in Cebu: What residents should do to stay safe

READ: Ashfall from Kanlaon blankets Negros, Cebu

Here are some practical car care tips every motorist should know after an ashfall.

Never wipe ash off a dry car

It may be tempting to grab a towel and wipe the ash away, but doing so can leave fine scratches on your vehicle’s paint. Big no no for the autophile.

To remove ashfall from your car, rinse the entire vehicle thoroughly with clean water first. Hose it down. Let the water wash away as much ash as possible before touching the surface with a microfiber wash mitt or sponge.

Wash your car as soon as conditions improve

Once local authorities say it is safe to go outdoors, give your vehicle a proper wash using automotive shampoo.

Begin from the roof and work your way down, rinsing frequently to avoid rubbing ash back onto the paint.

Avoid using household detergents, which can strip protective wax from your vehicle.

Don’t use your windshield wipers right away

One of the quickest ways to damage your windshield is by turning on the wipers while ash is still covering the glass.

Always rinse the windshield first. Clean the wiper blades before using them to prevent scratches and premature wear.

Check your engine air filter

Fine volcanic ash can clog the engine air filter, reducing airflow and affecting fuel efficiency.

If you’ve driven through areas with noticeable ashfall, inspect the filter or ask your trusted mechanic to check it during your next service.

Replacing a dirty air filter is far cheaper than dealing with engine problems later.

Replace the cabin air filter if your aircon feels weak

Ash can enter your vehicle’s ventilation system, especially if you drove while ash was falling.

If your air-conditioning isn’t blowing as strongly as before or you notice a dusty smell inside the cabin, the cabin air filter may already be clogged and should be cleaned or replaced.

Drive only if necessary

If ash is still falling, it’s best to postpone non-essential trips.

Driving kicks more ash into the air, reducing visibility and increasing the amount of abrasive particles entering your engine, brakes, and air-conditioning system.

If you must travel, slow down, switch on your headlights when needed, and leave more space between your vehicle and the one ahead.

Inspect your brakes after driving through ash

Volcanic ash can accumulate around brake components.

If you hear unusual squeaking noises or notice changes in braking performance after driving through affected areas, have your brakes inspected immediately.

Protect your car if it’s parked outside

Not everyone has access to covered parking, especially in many Cebu neighborhoods and residential subdivisions.

If possible, use a clean, properly fitted car cover while ash is falling. If your car is already covered in ash, rinse it before putting on or removing the cover to avoid scratching the paint.

Don’t forget the underbody

Rain can mix volcanic ash with road grime, allowing it to collect underneath your vehicle.

After driving through ash-covered roads, especially when mixed with rain water, have the undercarriage rinsed to remove deposits that could accelerate corrosion over time.

Why volcanic ash is harmful to cars

Unlike ordinary road dust, volcanic ash contains microscopic fragments of rock and minerals with sharp edges. These particles can:

Scratch paint and glass

Wear out windshield wipers

Clog engine and cabin air filters

Reduce engine efficiency

Affect air-conditioning performance

Build up around brake components

Reduce visibility while driving

A car is one of the biggest investments one can own. Spending a little time cleaning and inspecting your vehicle after an ashfall can prevent unnecessary repair bills and help keep your car running safely. So make sure to follow these tips to keep your car in tip-top shape during and after an ashfall.