Saharan dust clouded the skies over Carinthia and East Tyrol for days. On Wednesday night, however, it rained in several regions and washed the dust out of the air. However, the consequences were particularly unpleasant for car drivers: the dust and rain mixture deposited an unsightly, sticky layer on the paintwork of many vehicles. To avoid damage to the paintwork, a thorough car wash is now important, says ÖAMTC technician Florian Merker: “Pollen and Saharan dust can also clog the cabin air filter. You should have it replaced regularly anyway.”
The ÖAMTC advises washing your car in a car wash as if you wash it too dry by hand, the sand particles will be massaged into the paintwork with the sponge, and scratches may occur. Engine washing should be entrusted to a specialist. Using a high-pressure cleaner in the engine compartment yourself risks damaging the vehicle’s electronics. After a thorough wash, the vehicle should also be inspected for damage to the paintwork and glass. Finally, the interior should be cleaned: according to experts, using a hoover to remove coarse dirt is best. There are special cleaning agents for fittings and plastic parts.
In recent days, videos of magnetic Saharan dust have repeatedly appeared on social networks – accompanied by various conspiracy theories and worried comments. However, experts explain that this phenomenon is completely normal, as the dust also contains small amounts of iron particles known to be magnetic, according to Carinthian geologist and palaeontologist Hans Peter Schönlaub. This is not dangerous. On the contrary, the dust even increases the fertility of the soil.
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