The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out... without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitably he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives under is dishonest, insane, intolerable. ~ H. L. Mencken
It's not ash. I think that is pumice, which is maybe worse as far as car finish goes, but probably better as far as the engine goes which I'd say is more important.