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Motorists advised to jet wash cars to remove volcanic ash

23rd April 2010 Print
Halfords HP1400 Pressure Washer

Motorists are being advised to jet wash their cars to prevent damage from falling volcanic ash.  Experts from car accessories retailer Halfords say the tiny particles of grit belching out from the Icelandic eruption could badly scratch paintwork if not properly removed.

The Met Office has reported that ash from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano had settled in Scotland and parts of England. Dust has been detected as far south as Exeter, Swindon and Brize Norton, Oxfordshire with a thin layer also found at monitoring stations near Peterborough, Leeds and Stoke on Trent.

"Cars left out in the street face being covered with the microscopic particles. Sweeping the fine deposit away with a cloth or brush and even a wet sponge from the surface of a vehicle could leave tiny score marks in the paint because of the abrasive nature of silicon in the dust," warned Karen Quinn, Halfords Car Maintenance expert.

"If motorists think that volcanic dust may have settled on their car, the safest way to remove it from the bonnet, roof and boot is to use a jet washer," she added. "Jet washer will ensure paintwork is not damaged. As the ash falls back to earth it may be necessary to wash the car more regularly than normal," said Karen.

However fears that ash may cause damage to a motor engine were dismissed. Particles will be trapped by a vehicle's air filter, though owners are being told to ensure the filter is checked when the car is serviced.

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Halfords HP1400 Pressure Washer