If the passenger alongside you in the traffic jam is crying his or her eyes out, don't worry - it's more likely to be caused by hay fever than the congestion.

Because Britain's hay fever season is upon us, and motoring sufferers everywhere will be reaching for the tissues.

The condition can seriously affect the concentration of drivers and potentially put other motorists at risk.

Many hay fever victims find huge relief in cool, air conditioned cars - and more and more vehicles are coming equipped with pollen filters, a boon for the one in 10 drivers who annually go down with sneezes and streaming eyes.

For a sneeze-free summer, check your air system to get the most out of air conditioning before pollen counts start creeping up. During winter months, water can build up inside aircon systems and become stagnant, leading to bacteria, contamination and reduced effectiveness.

Drivers are also encouraged to help themselves by following common sense tips such as keeping tissues handy on the dashboard, slowing down if they are going to sneeze and wearing sunglasses to filter out sunlight. Other preventative actions include vacuuming interiors to minimise dust and getting someone else to drive when symptoms are particularly bad.

Joe Pattinson, marketing manager of internet retailer jamjar cars, says: "Hay fever is an uncomfortable condition that can cause real problems for motorists.

"Cleaner air quality throughout the car can be easily achieved, and will prevent the symptoms being aggravated."

Meanwhile, you can buy a "spy car" next week when a rare car with a Secret Service past comes up for auction.

The vehicle is among classic vehicles on offer in BCA's next Classic & Historic sale at the historic venue of Brooklands - the spiritual home of British motorsport.

The sale takes place on Monday, June 7, and features Edwardian, Vintage, Thorough-bred, and Competition motor cars, motorcycles, and related memorabilia.

The "spy car" is a 1938 Packard Six four-door Sedan, which was originally supplied to Sir James and Lady Kemnal before being requisitioned by the War Department after hostilities broke out.

According to Geoffrey Pidgeon, author of The Secret Wireless War and renowned historian of the period, it is believed to have been used by MI6 as a communications car.

The car was subsequently laid up in 1964, and still displays the excise licence from that year.

The current owner bought it 15 years ago, with the aim of restoring the car to its former glory.

Various items of bright work have been removed and re-plated, but the car otherwise remains in original condition and - despite layers of dust, peeling paint and surface corrosion - is in very sound order.

The car is offered for further restoration with a guide valuation of £2,500, this represents a very affordable entry to Packard ownership, with the added bonus of an interesting history.