San Luis Obispo, CA – As California wildfires continue to burn and local skies are filled with falling ash, vehicle owners are being warned of the potential damage the debris could cause to their exterior paint finish. The Automobile Club of Southern California is one of several sources encouraging owners to park their vehicles in the garage whenever possible for the duration of the fires, and to wash away any ash and soot to prevent paint damage.
This is especially important in our coastal climate, where overnight fog and dew are common. The elements in wood ash are inert and harmless in their dry form, but when mixed with moisture can result in harmful chemical etching. Vehicle owners in dry areas can safely brush away surface ash with a car duster, but those living in moist areas are encouraged to regularly wash their cars to preserve the finish – especially when the vehicles must be left outside overnight.
“With so much ash in the air these days, we’re seeing more and more people coming in for car washes to keep their paint looking like it should,” said Bart Devaney, owner of four Sunset North Car Wash locations in San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande and Paso Robles.
“If you take pride in your vehicle’s appearance, get it washed and keep it covered during fire season,” Devaney said.
Vehicle owners are also urged to remove ash from headlights and taillights for maximum visibility. When the smoky air clears, engine air filters and cabin ventilation filters should be inspected and replaced as needed, and owners may wish to wax their vehicles to further reduce the effects of ash on the clear coat finish.
