ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – In the event of an ash eruption from Mt. Spurr, there are several maintenance steps a mechanic recommends taking.
Experts are monitoring volcanic activity at Mt. Spurr, which currently indicates a possible future eruption, though not certain. Should an eruption occur, scientists at the Alaska Volcano Observatory say Spurr would spew ash clouds, not magma.
The abrasive quality of the resulting ashfall will require caution in many spheres like home protection and health precautions for both human and animal family members.
Traveling by foot, plane, or car will pose challenges during and following the ashfall, but John Stoehner with Alaska Spring Performance gave an overview of how to care for vehicles to prevent ash damage or unsafe situations.
Before driving
“The best thing to do is not drive the vehicle, if you can stay home until the road conditions and the air quality [are] better,” Stoehner said.
However, for those who are unable to avoid driving, he recommends rinsing the car and radiator before starting it. However, avoid wiping at ash to prevent scratches on paint or windows.
Air filters
Fine ash in the air will also plug up air filters in vehicles. Owners should change their air filters several times after an eruption, Stoehner said. In the time after an eruption, ash will remain on the road, causing faster accumulation in the filters than normal.
To save money, Stoehner recommends putting a pair of pantyhose over the air filter.
“It creates a pre filter and [keeps] those smaller ash particles from going inside the engine.”
Windshield and wipers
Because ashes can cause scratch damage to surfaces when rubbed or wiped, Stoehner said it’s crucial not to run windshield wipers dry over ash.
“You want to make sure that you have washer fluid spraying before you turn your wiper blades on, but unfortunately most vehicles today the wipers start sweeping before the water comes,” Stoehner said. “So try not to use them if you can, because what will happen is that ash and your wiper blades will actually score and scratch the windshield.”
Stoehner said because seeing clearly is a crucial part of safe driving, going without a clear windshield or not using the windshield wipers won’t always be an option.
“Expect your windshield to be scratched, potentially, and your wiper blades to deteriorate rapidly,“ he said.
Oil
Car owners should continue their maintenance schedule as usual, Stoehner said, but if there is an eruption, vehicles will require an oil change after driving in the ash.
See a spelling or grammar error? Report it to [email protected]
Copyright 2025 KTUU. All rights reserved.
link