Driving Tips: How to Drive With Spring Allergies

With the weather warming up and things budding all around you, spring is a beautiful time of year. But what’s decidedly less appealing is the thick green and yellow layer of pollen accumulating on your car’s hood — especially if you have pollen allergies.

Roughly 8.2% of people are diagnosed with hay fever, a reaction triggered by allergens. Driving with the distraction of watery eyes, a runny nose, and unrelenting sneezing isn’t good for anyone. So what can you do to reduce these symptoms? We have a few things in mind.

5 Great Tips for Driving With Springtime Allergies

Check the weather every morning

Being prepared is your first and perhaps best line of defense against allergies. Many weather-reporting outlets forecast daily pollen counts and air quality outlooks. If you’re sensitive to tree or grass pollen, limit your time outdoors or take other precautionary measures when levels are higher than normal.

Stick to your spring-cleaning regimen

Spring cleaning is important for everyone, but it’s an even bigger deal for those with seasonal allergies. You’ll want to clean all things that might collect allergens — from floor mats and seating surfaces to your vents and car exterior. Doing so will limit the amount of pollen, dust, and other irritants that live in your car.

Replace your air filters

With all of the items on your routine maintenance list, it’s easy to overlook or forget about your air filters. But if your air filters are dirty, there’s a good chance they’re not filtering out pollen, mold, pet dander, and more. We can replace them for you and restore the clean air in your cabin.

Properly seal your car

One of the best ways of keeping allergies out of your life is to make sure they don’t get into your car in the first place. Roll your windows up and confirm that the weather stripping on your car is creating the proper seal. While you’re driving, make sure your air conditioning is turned to the recirculate setting so that no airborne substances are being pulled in from outside.

Be mindful of your medication

Medications come in handy this time of year, but that doesn’t mean they should be taken lightly. Since medications like antihistamines can cause drowsiness, you should read the label and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using. To be on the safe side, do a trial run off the road with any medication before you hop behind the wheel.

Have a Safe and Healthy Season in Madison, WI

At Zimbrick, we’re happy to be your Madison car dealership — regardless of the season. Stop by one of our 16 locations and say hello today. We want to help make spring a happy time of the year for you and yours.

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