Bonfire Night Car Care How to Protect Your Car from Fireworks and Debris

Fireworks lighting up the sky can be one of the highlights of early November. Finding ash, debris or an unexpected mark on your car the next morning is rather less enjoyable.

If your car is parked near a Bonfire Night display, a little preparation can reduce the chance of a nasty surprise. Here are some sensible steps to take before and after the celebrations.

Move your car away from the display if you can

Distance is your best friend. If you have access to a secure garage, parking there may help shelter your car from falling debris. Otherwise, consider moving it to a safe parking spot away from where fireworks or bonfires are likely to be set off.

At organised displays, use the designated parking area and follow the stewards’ directions. Health and Safety Executive guidance says car parking should be well away from a display and, preferably, upwind of it so the wind is blowing from parked vehicles towards the firing area rather than the other way around.

Think about what is overhead

Spent firework parts can fall back to the ground, so try not to leave your vehicle directly in the likely fallout area. A roofed garage is more dependable shelter than simply parking beneath a tree or beside a wall. Wherever you park, do not block access for residents or emergency vehicles.

Be cautious about car covers

A fitted car cover can be useful for keeping ordinary dust and dirt off a parked vehicle. However, an everyday fabric cover is not fireproof and should never be relied on to protect a car from hot fireworks or burning embers.

If fireworks may land nearby, moving the car out of the fallout area is a safer option than putting a cover over it. Always follow the cover manufacturer’s instructions and do not assume a cover removes the risk of heat or fire damage.

Give the paintwork a gentle clean afterwards

If your car has collected ash or fine firework residue, try to deal with it reasonably promptly once the area is safe. Avoid rubbing dry grit across the paint, as this can leave scratches.

A gentle rinse followed by a wash with a suitable car shampoo and clean, soft wash mitt is a better approach. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s cleaning advice, particularly if the finish has a special coating. Do not try to scrape off anything that appears melted or stuck to the surface.

Check for damage without taking risks

When it is safe to do so, look over the bodywork, windows and tyres for anything unusual. If you find a mark or damage, take photographs before arranging any cleaning or repairs. For significant damage, check the terms of your comprehensive motor insurance and contact your insurer for advice.

If you come across a firework that might not have gone off, do not touch, move or investigate it. Keep people away and alert the display organisers or the appropriate emergency service.

A few minutes of planning can help

You cannot control where every stray spark or piece of debris might travel. But you can choose a safer parking location, avoid relying on an unsuitable cover and clean any residue carefully afterwards.

Enjoy the fireworks, keep to the designated viewing areas and give your car a little thought before the first rocket goes up. It is a small job that could save you an unwelcome clean-up in the morning.