It’s that time of year again, where the night skies are illuminated by a mesmerising display of colours and bangs. Bonfire Night brings not just the historical tale of Guy Fawkes, but a coming together of communities across the nation. Yet, amidst the “Oohs!” and “Aahs!” of the dazzling firework displays lurks an often overlooked concern: the well-being of our trusty vehicles. While our heads turn to the sky, our vehicles can become victims of stray sparks and descending debris.
Casting our minds back to the Bonfire Night period of 2021 (1st to 6th November), the London Fire Brigade found themselves inundated with approximately 2,170 emergency calls. A staggering 20% of these calls were from Bonfire Night itself, highlighting the potential risks that come with these explosive celebrations and why we need to take extra precaution when it comes to protecting our cars during the night.
Why bonfire night can be so dangerous for your vehicle
We understand the joy fireworks can bring, but we also know the potential hazards they pose to our beloved vehicles. With a state-of-the-art body shop approved by 11 leading manufacturers, we’ve seen all kinds of vehicle damage over the years, so we know how difficult it can be to keep your car sparkling (the good kind) on Bonfire Night.
Those dazzling sparks in the sky may seem harmless but if hot ash falls onto your vehicle, it can leave your car covered in burn marks. Unfortunately it doesn’t stop there - even cool ash can cause damage. If it gets wet, the water can activate chemicals inside the cold ash that then eats away at your car’s paint. As the saying goes - when it rains, it pours.
Fireworks aren’t the only danger on Bonfire Night. We’ve all tried to write our names into the air with some sparklers, or have watched kids become completely mesmerised by their glow. Whilst they bring endless fun, it’s best to ensure your car’s windows and sunroofs are shut. If a stray spark gets inside, it can only take a matter of seconds to turn into a full blown vehicle fire, which is not only costly for you, but extremely dangerous for those around you.
How to shield your car from firework debris
When fireworks are fizzing overhead, sending sparks and debris in every direction, it’s smart to keep your car away from the landing zone. Now, protecting your vehicle doesn’t require a degree in rocket science (or firework science, to stay on theme!) - just a bit of common-sense and preparation to ensure you don’t have to fork out on costly repairs.
Choosing the right parking spot
If you’re piling into the car and heading to a local firework display, we’d recommend you stick to the designated parking areas. Why? Because those organising the show have likely sussed out a spot where cars can stay safe from those fiery fragments. Now you can park up, find that burger van and enjoy the show, knowing your motor’s out of harm's way. If you’re celebrating at home, keep your car in the garage for the night.
Add an extra layer of protection to your car
Still a bit worried? Sometimes, extra peace of mind is worth its weight in gold, so you could invest in a car cover. Think of it as a jacket for your vehicle, protecting it from those stray sparkler embers and falling bits of ash. These also double up as a protective layer in the winter as well, keeping your car from getting covered in ice or snow - it’s a worthwhile investment!
Park your car in a garage
Now, if you're hosting your own back garden spectacle (or just keeping the car parked up at home), as we’ve mentioned above, popping it in a garage is a no-brainer. Don’t have a garage? No problem - just make sure it’s parked away from where the fireworks will be set off. In either scenario, double check to make sure there are no flammable materials nearby that could cause costly damage.
It’s important to remember that if you leave fireworks in your car overnight, they could get damp, leak explosive materials and put your car at risk for a major vehicle fire. So, when you get home, make sure you store them in a cool, dry place away from anything that is flammable or could cause issues.
Cleaning your car after Bonfire Night
Even if you take all the precautions, your car can still be left needing some TLC after Bonfire Night, especially if your car was in the firing line during the night. Here’s our fool-proof way to get your car looking like new:
Start with a good rinse
First things first – it’s best to start with removing loose ash and leftover firework debris off your car. You already know that cold ash and water are a big no-no for your car’s paint, so this might seem counter intuitive. But if you’re quick enough, the chemicals won't have enough time to activate and your car will be safe from any potential damage. A hose is ideal for this, but if it's not an option, a few buckets of water will do the job. The goal here? To get all the easy bits off without scratching the car.
Use car shampoo
Use a car shampoo (not the stuff from your shower!) to keep your paintwork in top-notch condition. Mix it up as per the instructions and you’re good to go. The shampoo helps lift that stubborn dirt without being too harsh on your car’s paint. For the best results, use a mitt to lather the suds into the bodywork - mitts tend to be gentler on the paintwork than sponges, as grit and dirt don’t scratch into the paintwork. Move in circles along the frame to get the ideal clean.
Give your car a good wipe
Now, grab a microfibre cloth and gently work around your car. This type of cloth is fantastic because they lift the dirt away without leaving behind any unwanted scratches. When it comes to drying your car off, you want to make sure all of the water has been removed from the vehicle so it doesn’t leave streaks or leftover dirt on the paintwork.
Add some wax for extra shine
This is an optional step, but finishing up with a nice wax can give your car an extra layer of protection from dirt and debris, with the added benefit of making it look a lot more shiny. Plus, it'll make the next clean a bit easier as the car won’t be as dirty – and who doesn’t love a shortcut?
Get Bonfire Night ready with Swansway
And there you have it - a snapshot into protecting your trusty vehicle during one of the most dazzling nights of the year. Bonfire Night should be a spectacle of joy - by staying mindful of our cars and where they’re parked, you can end the night with only happy memories.
A little foresight really does go a long way. Even beyond the festivities of Bonfire Night, these tips and tricks will protect your vehicle come rain, shine or fireworks! We have a range of accessories available to give your car some added protection and to make travelling easier for your lifestyle. If you like to treat yourself to another car instead, take a look at the range of new and used cars we have available.
If you’re unsure what you're looking for or would like more information about one of the vehicles you see on our website, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our team and we’d be happy to help you.
