Covered in ash from near by forest fires

[Pickle]

My truck has had ash rain on it for the last few days. How dangerous is it to the paint? Thunder storms and rain are in the forecast. Should I be worried? Should I do anything special to wash it?

Edited September 7, 2017 by Pickle

[BrianT]

I have no idea, but I'm guessing not good. I'd wash it as soon as you can.

[Pickle]

Here are some pictures. Very large particles. Fortunately no one has been hurt in the blaze, but it has managed to jump the Columbia river which is a mile or two wide in places. Hopefully the rain will help knock the fire down and the lightning won't start new ones as it is very dry right now.

[Liralen]

I am in the Northwest as well...and was also here when Mt. St Helens blew. You do need to get the ash off your vehicle. Ash is abrasive (remember it is mostly trees that are burning) so rinse well then wash. If you let set, then moisture sets in on the ash and can become like a contaminated compound (almost like a mud or clay if heavy enough) which you then run risk of it causing etching/scratches...that will then require claying & possibly paint correction to get rid of. Worse case of etching would require wet sanding. Better to rinse off daily before it accumulates & becomes a bigger problem.

[PacificNWBuckeye]

I know that truck! So far I've let it blow off by driving to work each day. St. Helens was compounded with the Volcanic ash (the really abrasive stuff) and this is just from the forest fires so it would be less abrasive I believe. When you wash break out the foam gun and allow it to dwell enough to mobilize the remaining ash, possible rinse and re-foam before actually beginning a wash. 

[ocdrifter]

Ash and water don't mix, it causes a horrible reaction to metal and painted surfaces, you need to wash that ASAP! Before it's starts to cause deteriorating of your vehicles finish.

[Nickfire20]

Ash and water don't mix, it causes a horrible reaction to metal and painted surfaces, you need to wash that ASAP! Before it's starts to cause deteriorating of your vehicles finish.

I agree and think blowing it off with air would be a good start if you have it available. Whether a blower or an air line.

[Dan@Adams]

Agree with others. I would try to blow as much off as possible with forced air, then take a pressure washer to it to remove as much remaining as possible before doing a proper two bucket wash.

[Chris@Adams]

I agree take it to the car wash first and blast it off good before doing your 2 bucket wash.

[Pickle]

Done. Nice and shiny again. Thanks for your help. I think once the fires are out will do a full detail and polish and get it ready for the rainy season/winter... then again the fires might not get out till the rain starts.

 

I sure hope they they throw the book at that 15 year old that started this fire by playing with fireworks...

Edited September 8, 2017 by Pickle