Because in these circumstances, the most important thing is that we do not panic and that we do things with a minimum of head. Prepare for what it takes be methodical (don’t wash the inside first and then the outside, go from outside to inside), organize yourself in parts, be patient and avoid being arrogant† With this invasion of orange dust, the body, windows and filters will be most affected by the cloud. To avoid damage to your car, we offer you a guide with a series of practical tips.

How to Get a Car Out of Sand?

According to various studies, the chance of an accident in rain is 70% higher; and it is the reduction in visibility, not wet asphalt, that is the main culprit in accidents in the rain. In the current situation, visibility is further reduced by the Sahara dust hanging in the air and the mud that forms on the windows. In these circumstances it is very important to wear windshield, wiper blades and washer fluid in perfect state.

Before you start the car and drive away by operating the windshield wipers, it is of course very convenient pour a generous amount of water over the front and rear windows vehicle. With this we try to rid them of mud and prevent the wipers from scratching the crystals when we start. You don’t have to worry about the rest of the bodywork if you’re in a rush to pick up the car, as it requires more thorough maintenance. In that situation, it is essential to prevent the wipers from damaging the windows by being impatient.

How should I clean the car if it has dust or sand in it?

To begin with, it is essential to take into account one detail: the car should only be washed thoroughly if we are sure (or at least approximately) that it won’t get dirty again soon† If the sandstorm continues for several more days, as expected, the effort one day will be of little use if the situation repeats itself the next. Then limit yourself to the moons.

So I can just go to the car wash† Under normal circumstances, in itself, it is not highly recommended that you do this. Now you don’t want to entertain yourself and assume that the painting is going to get a scratch. In that case, we strongly recommend that you give first a discharge hose the remains of trapped dirt on the body. It is a precaution that you should keep in mind to prevent the sand rubbed by the car wash rollers from causing larger scratches and scrapes on the car body.

In any case, we recommend that you wash the car by hand. For starters, have it on hand something to smear the surface, see water, washing spray or a soapy mixture. These substances remove surface contaminants to prevent paint damage and scratches. Start with the wheels, move on to the bodywork, and finish with the interior and windows (unless you need the car urgently, start with the windows). This way, you’re more likely not to clean the same section a few times (which it does).

And what materials do I need? Although sponges have always played a leading role in cleaning the car, it is best to use them a microfibre cloth that collects and removes dirt. The heaviest (300-400 g/m^two) are the softest and most respectful with the paint. In addition to, recycle the water in the container what you use to rinse the cloth, or resort to a mesh to avoid sucking up dirt from the bottom and re-contaminating the car. And if you have a tool that blows air (like a hair dryer), use it for the hardest-to-reach nooks and crannies.

Why do I have to clean the car properly?

A dirty car is less visible† For example, it has been shown that those with darker shades are less noticeable to other drivers, especially if the gray is similar to asphalt, so it is important that the car retains the color. The shine that a clean car provides adds to its visibility. This also applies to headlights because the accumulation of dirt on them disrupts the light they emit and impairs visibility, both for us and for other road users.

On the other hand, dirty glass prevents the driver from seeing well and also contributes to reflections and glare. For this reason it is highly recommended clean the crystals both outside and inside† The agglomeration of dust and dirt also speeds up the process of aging of vehicle components and therefore the car itself. So yes, it’s best to always have a clean car, but without becoming obsessed with it. Always start with the windshield, remove the thickest part and be patient with the rest of the bodywork.

What should I check in the car after a rain of sand and dust?

Tires: a worn tire loses grip, especially in wet conditions or, in this case, dust and sand. The regulations state that the depth of the drawing should not be less than 1.6 millimeters, although for better grip and safety it is recommended not to go below 3 mm. We should also not forget the inside, because the wear can be irregular.

wiper blades: They help maintain visibility and keep everything organized. If they are not in good condition or do not sweep as they should, they can impair vision as instead of cleaning they make more dirt. The service life in optimal operating conditions is about a year, although it varies depending on the care.

Window cleaning fluid: essential when a rain is not very intense and is only responsible for staining the windows. Cleaning the windshield is essential, especially after the first drops, and even more so if it comes with grit. Check the level and add if necessary.

Brakes: brake pads and discs should be checked (this is best done by a professional). With sand on asphalt, just like with rain, the braking distances are increased. For example, at a speed of 50 km/h, this distance can be almost doubled in low-grip conditions.

What are the effects of haze on the filters and engine of the car?

Starting with the topic of filters, one of passenger compartment being dirty can affect the airflow in the car, reducing the efficiency of the system. That means the air intake and circulation on board will not be optimal, especially at the gates of spring, when we turn the air conditioning back on. As far as the engine air filter if it is saturated, the engine’s performance will be affected, resulting in increased gas mileage and the risk of breakdowns.

If it is normally recommended to replace the cabin filter every 15,000 kilometers (or once a year)after the unusual effect of the haze across the country, in the event that we have used the car in these days, it would be useful to check them as soon as possible, “especially if the haze has surprised us “a few kilometers ” of the 15,000 recommended. In this sense, it is most convenient to promote the assessment and replacement of the above filters, since the dust from which this phenomenon is made is more easily brought inside.