Is your car secretly making your hay fever worse?

As pollen season gets under way, the vehicle you drive could be having a bigger effect on your allergies than you realise. Here is what you need to know.

You have taken your antihistamine. You have checked the pollen count. But the moment you get in the car, your eyes start streaming and the sneezing kicks in. Sound familiar? Your car might be the problem.

For the millions of people in the UK who suffer from hay fever, spring can be a miserable time. But while most focus on pollen counts and medication, one factor often gets overlooked: the car they drive.

According to Leasing Options, choosing the right vehicle and keeping it properly maintained can make a noticeable difference to how you feel on the road during allergy season.

The cars that could help

A growing number of newer models now come fitted with features designed to improve the air quality inside the cabin. Mike Thompson, Chief Operating Officer at Leasing Options, has highlighted some of the best options currently available for hay fever sufferers.

• Omoda 5 includes a PM0.3 high-efficiency filter designed to capture ultra-fine particles.
• Changan Deeapal S07 features PM2.5 air filtration.
• Tesla Model 3 and Model Y include advanced cabin air filters, with some models offering HEPA-grade filtration designed to remove the vast majority of airborne particles.
• Toyota C-HR includes a pollen filter with a deodorising function.
• Skoda Enyaq offers a standard pollen filter.
• Volkswagen ID Buzz features enhanced air filtration through its climate system.
• Volvo EC60 includes a PM2.5 air purifier and air quality system.
• Xpeng G6 uses N95-grade filtration.
• BYD Sealion 7 includes a negative-ion air purification system designed to remove particles from the air.
• Range Rover Sport features an air quality sensor, automatic air recirculation, and a pollen filter.

While these features can help, Mike stresses that regular cleaning and filter maintenance remain just as important as having the right car in the first place.

Start with a proper clean

If you have not given your car a thorough going-over since winter, now is the time.

“Winter can leave behind a build-up of grime, salt, and debris, but as we move into spring, pollen and dust become the main concern. A proper clean, including the undercarriage and wheel arches, helps remove any lingering residue while preventing allergens from building up.”

“Paying attention to smaller details, such as door seals and around the boot, can also help stop pollen and dust from collecting in hidden areas. Applying a fresh coat of wax can help reduce particles sticking to the paintwork as pollen levels rise.”

Mike Thompson, Chief Operating Officer, Leasing Options

Clear out the clutter

It is not just the outside that needs attention. The interior of your car can harbour a surprising amount of allergens, particularly if it has been used as a catch-all storage space over the colder months.

“Cars often become a bit of a dumping ground during winter, but for hay fever sufferers, clutter can trap dust and allergens. Spring is a great time to clear everything out and give the interior a proper clean.”

“Vacuuming seats and carpets, wiping down surfaces, and cleaning windows inside can make a huge difference, particularly in terms of air quality while driving. It is also worth checking storage compartments and the boot to make sure everything is clean and organised.”

Mike Thompson, Chief Operating Officer, Leasing Options

Check your cabin filter

One of the most overlooked maintenance jobs on any car is the cabin air filter, and for hay fever sufferers it could be one of the most important.

“Spring is a good time to check your air filter and replace it if needed, as it can become clogged with dust and debris. For drivers with hay fever, this is especially important as filters play a key role in keeping pollen out of the cabin.”

“Regularly replacing cabin filters can significantly improve air quality inside the vehicle, helping to create a more comfortable environment during peak allergy season.”

Mike Thompson, Chief Operating Officer, Leasing Options

Do not forget visibility

Hay fever does not just affect your breathing. Itchy, watery eyes can make driving genuinely difficult, so keeping your windscreen clear is a practical safety concern too.

“Spring showers and high pollen levels can quickly affect visibility, so replacing worn windscreen wipers and topping up screen wash will help keep your windscreen clear.”

“Keeping windows clean inside and out can also help reduce smearing caused by pollen, making driving more comfortable for those with sensitive eyes.”

Mike Thompson, Chief Operating Officer, Leasing Options

Keeping pollen at bay on the road

As pollen counts continue to rise through spring and into summer, the habits you build now can make a real difference to how you feel behind the wheel.

“As we move into spring, pollen levels begin to rise, which can be a challenge for drivers who suffer from hay fever. Keeping your car clean inside can help reduce the build-up of allergens, particularly on seats and air vents.”

“Cars equipped with air purification systems or high-quality cabin filters can make a noticeable difference by helping to remove pollen particles from the air inside the vehicle. Regularly replacing cabin filters and keeping windows closed on high pollen days can also help create a more comfortable driving environment, especially on longer journeys during peak allergy season.”

Mike Thompson, Chief Operating Officer, Leasing Options