Drivers across the UK as well as other countries around the world are this week waking up to find their cars covered in a strange sticky substance. In various parts of the UK as well as in the US, drivers have found a sticky substance dotted all over their windscreen, bodywork and windows as well as on doorhandles due to the hot late April and early May sunshine.

While some have claimed it’s something more nefarious and inexplicable, most people are agreed that the reason for the sticky mist all over cars is due to pollen. When the sun is shining, pollen is being spread into the air by all sorts of flowers, plants, grass and trees. At this time of year, tree pollen is the biggest contributor, as trees shed pollen into the wind which then carries it sometimes for miles, where it lands on cars and windows as well as on other trees to pollinate.

Drivers everywhere have this week been reporting the phenomenon. @ringothe5th said: “There is so much pollen on my car right now - I might need to be intubated…”

@psings said: “Over the last few months I've noticed a yellowish dust covering my car. Every time it's cleaned, two days and it's covered again. It's not pollen, it's a very fine yellow dust. It's also all over my garden office roof and the hot tub lid. Something's going on. South coast UK.”

@jangal818 said: “The amount of pollen on my car is actually disgusting.”

@prim_brina said: “I went outside to SO MUCH POLLEN ON MY CAR ITS f***** WITH MY SENSORS.”

@victor_okc said: “Thick yellow green film on my car this pollen stuff is completely out of control”

@jose72231815 said: “There's so much pollen on my car it is changing colours”

How to get rid of pollen on your car 

Pollen is obviously dreadful news for anyone with allergies - but it’s not just bad for those with hayfever or conjunctivitis. In fact, pollen can also damage your car’s paintwork, as the acidic, sticky substance, which also attracts dust and dirt to stick to it, can end up permanently marking or staining your paint.

According to Auto: Resource, the best thing to do is clean your car immediately. They said: “Give your car a thorough wash with a quality car shampoo. The soapy water will neutralise the acidity of the pollen and allow efficient pollen removal. 

“Car shampoo makes the job much easier than a detergent like washing up liquid as they are formulated to easily remove bugs, road grime, sap and pollen and this means that the job will be much easier.

“Thoroughly rinse all soapy residues and leather the car dry.

“Apply a wax or ceramic coating to your fully clean and dry car. This will create a protective layer making it harder for pollen to stick to your paintwork.

“If you can park your car in a garage, carport or covered area, do, even in the warmer months. Where that is not an option, avoid parking under trees. At first glance they offer refreshing shade but many trees are hot spots for pollen and sap damage.”