HAY FEVER season is here, and Brits with stuffy noses are feeling the strain – whether they’re at home or on the go in their cars.
Sneezing while driving can be especially uncomfortable and, more importantly, hazardous.
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But according to an expert, a key car component that many motorists are unaware of could be the cause of heightened discomfort while driving during the summer months.
A recent poll by FixMyCar revealed that more than 50% of mechanics reported that over half of the cars they service have not undergone a full service in over a year.
And this often means that the pollen filter is no longer effective.
Speaking exclusively to Sun Motors, Matt Wrankmore, Head of Garage Network at FixMyCar, explains that this simple car part can help alleviate hay fever symptoms while driving.
He said: “Most modern vehicles are fitted with a pollen filter, also known as a cabin air filter. Its job is to trap pollen, dust, and other allergens, making the air inside your vehicle clean and breathable – a godsend for anyone suffering from hay fever.
“However, problems arise when the filter is not replaced regularly. Like any filter, it becomes dirty and clogged over time, ceasing to function effectively. Instead of filtering the air, it allows pollen and allergens to enter the car directly.
“A clogged pollen filter not only exacerbates hay fever symptoms but can also impact airflow, affecting the car’s heating and cooling systems.”
FILTER FAIL
Having a full service every 12 months is likely to ensure the pollen filter is replaced, as this is typically included in a full service.
However, it’s important to note that a pollen filter replacement is not part of an interim service.
FixMyCar’s latest poll highlighted confusion around car servicing, which may cause many drivers to miss this crucial maintenance and suffer unnecessarily during hay fever season.
When asked if they knew when a mechanic would replace their pollen filter, FixMyCar found that only 22% of drivers were aware.
In fact, 30% of drivers believed pollen filters are replaced during both full and interim services, while 20% thought replacement was not included in any service at all.
A further 22% admitted they did not know when a mechanic would change the filter.
FixMyCar spoke to 55 garages on its network, asking how many cars they see each month that have not had a full service in over a year.
Alarmingly, over half of these garages – a figure of 58% – reported that more than half of the cars they service monthly had not undergone a full service in over 12 months.
Even more concerning, 1 in 5 mechanics said that over three-quarters of the cars they see have not been fully serviced in over a year.
Wrankmore said: “My recommendation to hay fever sufferers this year is to ensure your car has a full service if it hasn’t had one in the past year. Not only will this help alleviate your hay fever symptoms while driving, but regular servicing is also vital for the overall health of your car.
“If the cost of maintenance is a concern and you opt for an interim service, but still want relief from hay fever, you can book a simple pollen filter replacement.
“Pollen filters are inexpensive but invaluable for hay fever sufferers.
“With a new pollen filter installed, keep your windows closed, switch on air recirculation, and enjoy a symptom-free journey. Just remember to replace the filter every 12 months or 15,000 miles.”
DO IT YOURSELF
For penny-pinching Brits, changing a pollen filter in a car yourself is both easy and affordable, with a standard filter typically costing around £10.
A carbon filter, which helps with odours, may cost around £20, while online prices for cabin air filters generally range between £11 and £30, depending on the make and model.
Better yet, no special tools are needed for the job – although occasionally a screwdriver or socket set might be necessary.
The pollen filter is typically found under the bonnet in a cold air collector box, or inside the car – possibly behind the glove compartment or in the passenger footwell.
FixMyCar is a free, easy to use service that lets drivers compare and book garages online.
