Before the arrival of spring, it is recommended to ventilate the cabin, clean the filters and maintain the upholstery
It is estimated that about 16 million people in Spain suffer from some form of allergy and 14 million of them are allergic to pollen, which are responsible for the itchy nose and eyes that are so characteristic of these dates.
Minimizing the effects of car allergy is very important to ensure the safety of the occupants. The consequences of allergies and their effects at the wheel are very important for road safety. For example, for the short time that a sneeze lasts, the car continues to drive at high speed with little control. There is a distance covered that could be vital and the driver may not be able to react in time if he is in the midst of a sneeze or tear crisis. These two effects, along with nasal congestion, fatigue and itchy skin, eyes and throat, are some of the main symptoms. Without forgetting the possible consequences of medication while driving.
The risks of self-medicating while driving are always present, but are an additional risk factor in allergies, as many people tend to go straight to the pharmacy without a doctor’s intervention. However, you should always follow the instructions of a specialist and avoid taking drugs and antihistamines that cause drowsiness. In addition, if we have to use the car for many hours, it is necessary to consult a doctor so that he can prescribe an appropriate treatment.
On the other hand, not even a drop of alcohol should be taken when we are taking antihistamines as they can react very quickly and cause drowsiness.
What may be anecdotal to some is a major problem for others, as the increase in contamination and the misuse of antibiotics increase the severity of some allergic conditions, leading to significant episodes of asthma and respiratory distress in those affected.
Being a closed space, our vehicle can become a major source of the spread of particles that are harmful to our health. Oscaro’s experts give us a series of tips that will help us fight car allergies and drive more comfortably this spring.
Change cabin filter
The cabin filter is responsible for trapping a large amount of debris that enters the interior of the vehicle. When allergy season approaches, it is recommended that this filter be replaced or cleaned thoroughly so that it can more easily trap the particles that sneak in. There are two types, a simple pollen filter and an activated carbon filter. The latter is more recommended, as it allows a greater number of particles to be retained.
Technology to recirculate the air
There are certain automotive technology products that can help us reduce the effects of allergies by cleaning and purifying the air. Ionizers are a prime example of this, as they can help you breathe better and maintain a healthier interior atmosphere thanks to the air circulation they generate, trapping dust and reducing harmful gases and bacteria that your car may contain.
Driving with the windows up
When traveling with our car during allergy season, we must do so with the windows rolled up to prevent dust particles and pollen from entering the vehicle interior. Driving with the windows down can cause an allergic attack and we will endanger our driving. In addition, it does not hurt to replace the door seals when they are worn out, because we will prevent the air from entering the interior and thus the particles that cause us the dreaded allergy.
Clean the car more often
It never hurts to clean the car, but allergy sufferers should do it more often on spring days. By cleaning the car with a microfibre cloth, we can remove dirt and prevent the spread of particles that are harmful to our health. We have to pay special attention to both the upholstery and the seats, usually the places where these microorganisms accumulate the most.
Avoid peak times for allergies
There are certain times of the day when we should avoid driving whenever possible. Dusk and dawn are the times of day when there is usually more pollen in the environment, which can trigger an allergic attack while driving. If we cannot avoid these peak hours, we will be extra careful when lowering the windows so that the particles that cause allergies cannot enter the interior of the passenger compartment.
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
