Island Volcano and Car detailing

[philming]

Hi all !
Dont know if you heard about it but a massive volcano has exploded in Island. Just the week I intended to do a full detail of my car. The car will be in Belgium next week, that's when I was planning to do the job. I have no other choice than to do this outside (no garage with water and electricity around there) and I was wondering if I could still do it or if I should forget about the idea. I dont know if any dust has allready landed in the area, or if it will, but any advice would be greatly welcome...
Best regards

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Island Volcano and Car detailing

One thing I do know is that volcanic ash can be very damaging to paint if it becomes wet and sits. I believe it is high in alkaline.

That said, as long as it isn't still falling on the car when you work, you should be fine. Just make sure to rinse it very quickly and thoroughly, top to bottom. I would suggest washing it twice and rinsing very well.

[yalerd]

Re: Island Volcano and Car detailing

I think that Belgium today will be closing the airports because of the ashes. As I heard on the news ashes are traveling towards the south east.

I would wait on the full detail. Maybe something like a wash and wax, keeping the surface clean. Try to keep the car inside

[philming]

Re: Island Volcano and Car detailing

Winds are supposed to go East-West, so the cloud seem to be going toward sweden, but that can change in an hourly rate. Airports close down because planes are going high on altitude and crossing the cloud would mean not enough air for the reactors, thus failing... Not sur that applies on ground level... I'll just need to check out the cars outside when I get around doing the detail I guess...

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Island Volcano and Car detailing

Like the others suggested. Get some protection on the car. I also would hold off on a full detail.

[TOGWT]

Re: Island Volcano and Car detailing

Volcanic Ash

Becomes a serious problem if it falls as ‘dirty rain’; the ash is alkaline and contains both silica (finely ground glass) and volcanic rock (pumice) so safely remove ash from your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Prolonged exposure to volcanic ash and dust can damage the paint and glass as it is very abrasive. Carefully wash the ash from your vehicle with a stream of water from a garden hose. Never dry-wipe, brush or mop the ash or dust that accumulates on your vehicle or windows.

Avoid prolonged driving in airborne or accumulated volcanic ash. Volcanic ash or dust can cause severe damage to your engine. If your vehicle is exposed to volcanic ash, change your air filter and have your vehicle checked by a qualified auto mechanic as soon as possible. Avoid using windshield wipers if at all possible as glass scratching may occur. Replace any windshield wiper blades that are damaged from the effects of the fallout.

Volcanic ash (by itself) is not poisonous, but inhaling it may cause problems for people whose respiratory system is already compromised by disorders such as asthma or emphysema. The abrasive texture can cause irritation and scratching of the surface of the eyes. People who wear contact lenses should wear glasses during an ash fall, to prevent eye damage. Furthermore, the combination of volcanic ash with moisture in the lungs can create a substance akin to liquid cement.