In short, the ash from burning wood settling on the exterior of your car isn’t going to cause damage. However, should you go to wipe it off with a dry cloth, you could very well cause scratching. If it rains on your car that is covered in ash, the chemical reaction could cause damage to your car’s finish.

Protecting yourself during ashfall

1. Stay inside, if possible, with windows and doors closed.
2. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
3. Use goggles to protect your eyes.
4. Exposure to ash can harm your health, particularly the respiratory (breathing) tract.
5. Keep your car or truck engine switched off.

Volcanic Ash Clay is extremely beneficial for your skin as it helps to prevent pimples and acne. It helps to absorb the excessive oil on your face and prevent over-drying of the skin. Volcanic Ash Clay found in the face creams helps in keeping your skin hydrated and moisturised for a longer period of time.

Damage to vehicles Volcanic ash can infiltrate nearly every opening and abrade or scratch most surfaces, especially between moving parts of vehicles. Ash particles easily clog air-filtration systems, which can lead to overheating and engine failure.

Here’s how to protect your car in the event of ashfall

1. Please wash your vehicles with pressurized water to remove ash from the vehicle’s body, but please do not wipe the vehicle while spraying water to avoid scratches on the vehicle’s body.
2. Please repeat if vehicle continues to be covered with ashfall.

If you have too much ash to simply dust away, AAA recommends rinsing your vehicle and then washing thoroughly with soap. Begin at the roof and work your way down. Rinse and dry with a soft cloth. Have an auto repair shop examine your vehicle, especially to determine if your air filter needs to be changed.