MANILA – Personal safety should be the number one priority as Taal Volcano remains on the brink of a “hazardous eruption,” but it wouldn’t hurt to know how to properly care for a vehicle affected by ashfall.

On Monday, experts reminded car owners not to wipe their ash-covered vehicles as particles can damage the paint.

Toyota Motor Philippines instead suggested to wash cars with pressurized water to remove ash while preventing scratches.

It added that the air filters of vehicles driven in areas affected by the ashfall should be thoroughly cleaned.

Automotive shop Aegis Detailing Philippines, for its part, said a thick layer of wax will help protect a car that is not glass-coated.

Those who are unsure of what to do, meanwhile, are advised to bring their ash-coated vehicles to a professional to avoid further damage.