COVID-19 has many of us on edge because it has been declared a pandemic. Although the authorities are detecting about a dozen cases every day, there is still no end in sight. (More updates can be found here.)
But as they say, life must go on. We cannot lock ourselves in our houses and only emerge when the emergency is past.
There is no foolproof way of ensuring 100% protection against COVID-19. But there are several things that car owners can do to lower the risk of getting infected.
SANITISE YOUR CAR INTERIOR
Clean your car cabin. Vacuum the seats and carpets and wipe down the plastics with a dedicated product to remove dust and dirt.
Clear out your cupholders, door bins and glove box.
After this is done, wipe down the cabin with a disinfectant. Studies have shown that COVID-19 can be killed when surfaces are disinfected.
Pay attention to the most touched spots. These include the steering wheel, indicator/wiper stalks, gearshift lever and door handles.
The COVID-19 virus and other nasties could stick here.
STOP SNACKING IN YOUR CAR
If you’ve been snacking in your car, stop. Any crumbs that are left will only invite insects to make their home in your vehicle.
Cockroaches may not spread COVID-19. But they can carry and spread a host of other diseases. They can even cause accidents, too.
KEEP A STASH OF PLASTIC BAGS OR SELF-SEALING BAGS
You and your family might be using masks to protect yourselves from the COVID-19 virus.
But when it’s time to toss them, don’t just throw them in the rubbish bin. Use a plastic bag (tie it closed, of course) or self-sealing bag. Viruses can spread when people come into contact with water droplets carrying them.
If you don’t seal the used tissue or mask, it could end up infecting other people.
CLEAN YOUR CAR’S AIR-CON SYSTEM
Over time, your car’s evaporator and condenser will become filthy. As dust and grime build up, these components become hosts. Moulds, germs and viruses will make their home here.
Changing your cabin filter is NOT ENOUGH. Have your entire air-con system cleaned and disinfected to lower the risk of catching COVID-19.
Don’t forget to wipe down the air-con vents as well.
STAY AWAY FROM CROWDED PLACES
This is easier said than done. But if possible, minimise unnecessary trips to shopping centres, clinics and hospitals. This will limit possible exposure to COVID-19.
That said, don’t forget to practise good hygiene. Thoroughly wash your hands after visiting the loo and avoid touching your face or eyes.
What do air-con filters do?
8 tips for keeping your car cabin clean
