AAA shares tips as wildfire ash impacts region

Drivers should take steps to prevent harmful particles from entering or damaging vehicles

By AAA of Western and Central New York

An air quality alert is in effect as wildfire smoke continues to blanket the region filling skies with smoke and harmful soot. AAA Western and Central New York has advice on safe driving during smoky conditions along with ways to prevent vehicle damage.

When driving, drivers should keep windows closed to prevent harmful particles from entering the vehicle, and run the air conditioner on recirculate mode until the outside air quality significantly improves.

“Set vehicle vents to recirculate mode to prevent outside air from entering the cabin,” said Bryan Jajkowski, AAA WCNY battery and ERS external training specialist. “Look for a button or setting that shows a circular arrow symbol and check your owner’s manual if you’re unsure how to toggle the recirculate setting.”

Drivers may notice soot on their cars. While the ash may appear soft and somewhat fluffy, it is a gritty and abrasive substance. Drivers should wash cars by hand with a pH-balanced car wash soap if possible. Once water makes contact with the ash, it could become corrosive, so drivers should be gentle when removing the initial layer of soot.

Auto mechanics may recommend replacing the vehicle’s cabin air filter with a fresh one to capture small particles and improve the quality of air coming through the vents. Filters with HEPA filtration can block smoke and other fine particles better than a basic filter. Some filters are treated with activated carbon, which can help block odors.

Additional steps:

•If possible, park the washed vehicle under cover or use a car cover.

•If washing the vehicle is not an option or it is between washes, gently wipe off ash with a soft car duster or cloth.

•Resist the urge to clean a windshield by turning on the wipers and scratching the glass. Instead, replace or wipe down each blade and wet the windshield before adding in wiper fluid and using the wipers.

•Using a leaf blower to clear dust off the vehicle may seem like a good idea, but area health officials warn against sending the ash back into the air.

•Thoroughly vacuum vehicle floor mats and car surfaces.

•Use a hose to spray down any heat exchangers if your car engine compartment has been exposed to ash.

•When the smoke clears, add an extra layer of protection to your paint by waxing your vehicle after washing it and letting it cool down.

Drivers can get more automotive tips at www.AAA.com/Automotive, and AAA members take advantage of valuable discounts at NAPA Auto Parts.

As upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA Western and Central New York provides more than 850,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA WCNY has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.