How to Pollen-Proof Your Car | Saga Car Insurance

Ways to lessen the effects of hay fever when driving

Where will I find my pollen filter
How do I know if my pollen filter needs changing?
How often should the pollen filter on your car be changed?

What happens if you don’t change the pollen filter on your car?
Can you get a HEPA filter for a car?
What’s the difference between a cabin air filter and an engine air filter?

We love to go for a drive on a sunny day but a spell of good weather can mean discomfort and irritation for the estimated 10 million people in the UK who suffer with hay fever. Pollen allergies can make driving more difficult, especially when experiencing symptoms like watery, itchy eyes, a runny nose, and excessive sneezing. However, there are a few ways in which you can alleviate symptoms while on the road and most are to do with your car’s pollen filter. Pollen filters, also known as cabin air filters, prevent potential allergens from entering the car when the air conditioning is being used.

Where will I find my pollen filter?

In your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system housed inside the cabin, generally behind the glove box compartment or behind a kick panel on the passenger side. Check with your manufacturer for details of how to change the cabin air filter unit. The filter is usually made of electrostatic paper to absorb dirt and debris. Fitting a carbon filter additionally prevents spores, funguses and gasses from reaching the interior of your car.

How do I know if my pollen filter needs changing?

Filters tend to become clogged and inefficient over time. Poor airflow from the aircon unit is the biggest indicator. Another tell-tale sign that the filter needs replacing is a bad smell coming from the aircon as bacteria and fungi build up in old filters, which can lead to unpleasant odours.

How often should the pollen filter on your car be changed?

You should get your pollen filter replaced at a garage every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once every two years, depending on which comes first. If you drive on dusty roads or dirt tracks, you may have to replace your filters more often.

What happens if you don’t change the pollen filter on your car?

You and your passengers will be more at risk of inflammation to the eyes, nose, mouth or throat and respiratory problems. It may also affect the function of your air conditioning and heating systems.

Can you get a HEPA filter for a car?

High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are designed to trap even the smallest particles of mould, dust, pollen, allergens and even some vehicle emissions. They do not remove air pollutants such as carbon monoxide. There are flat filters that will fit some makes of car or you can buy a portable USB unit for use in the cabin.

What’s the difference between a cabin air filter and an engine air filter?

The engine air filter cleans the air used for combustion in your car. It’s important to use the correct manufacturer-approved air filter. Altering your car’s engine air filters can have an impact on performance. You need to tell your insurance provider if you have made any modifications to your vehicle.

4 tips for cleaner air in your car

1. Use recirculated air

Car air conditioning systems usually have a recirculation button with a circular arrow inside an image of a car. When activated, this button changes the aircon system from pulling in air from the outside to recirculating the air already inside the car. This feature is particularly useful for those who suffer from hay fever, as the recirculation mode prevents pollen from entering the car through the aircon system. It also preserves the car's pollen filters since they won't be needed to filter the air. It’s best to let new air in for longer journeys, which some cars automatically do when the recirculation button is activated.

2. Avoid travelling at times when the pollen count is high

Pollen levels vary throughout the day so planning when you travel can help reduce hay fever symptoms. Most plants release their pollen throughout the night and early morning, so symptoms worsen around midday, though on sunny days the pollen count can be highest early evening. Planning journeys in the morning before the pollen has had a chance to become airborne can help prevent symptoms as well as travelling later in the evening when the air has cooled.

3. Clean your car thoroughly to reduce pollutants

Wash the exterior of your car with soapy water to minimise possible exposure points to pollen particles on door handles. Applying a new wax finish will also help prevent pollen from sticking to your car and protect the paintwork. Inside the car, pollen can enter on clothing, particularly shoes. When cleaning the interior pay extra attention to the door mats, seats and air vents as allergens can linger there.

4. Switch to rubber floor mats in your car

Consider removing carpet floor mats as pollen can get trapped in the fibres. Rubber floor mats are a great alternative as they’re easy to clean and reduce the overall allergen levels in the cabin.

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