Is your car making you sick?

We all know to be careful in flu season. You’ll wash your hands more, disinfect household surfaces more frequently, and occasionally open the windows to air out all the germs cooped up in your house. If you’re taking all of these precautions to sanitize your home, why neglect your car?

Throughout the winter, you’ll be taking your kids to and from school. All the while, they’ll be snacking in the backseat and transporting the germs they picked up in the classroom all over the car. With the windows constantly rolled up, these germs and food particles are sure to fester and possibly get you sick.

Sick Car Syndrome

Yes, this is a

real thing and yes, it could be affecting your family. In fact, sick car syndrome has caused some major automakers to refund car purchases. Also known as “toxic car syndrome,” it’s the result of mold growing out of the condensation in your A/C system.

Symptoms of sick car syndrome include:

• Sneezing

• Coughing

• Wheezing

• Drowsiness

• Eye Irritation

• Chest Tightening

When your air conditioner cools, a small pool of condensation often forms on the evaporator. Mold and mildew tend to grow from that moisture. As the air blows over mold, microbes are picked up a

nd carried into the passenger cabin. The microbes then attach to the walls and start to multiply.

Luckily, there are a few measures you can take to prevent sick car syndrome from affecting your family. These include:

1. Check for leaks.

2. Clean any spills within the car.

3. Don’t leave food or crumbs on the floor.

4. Be aware of odors, and where they are coming from.

5. Shampoo your carpet, but be sure to dry the floor completely before closing the windows.

Another way to keep your car free from the mold and mildew associated with sick car syndrome is to have regular auto detailing. At Signature Detailing, we get every nook and cranny of your dashboard and instrument panel.