Don’t be alarmed though, the best thing to do to avoid any anxiety or concern is to stay informed. Hence in this article, we’ll look at the facts, try to answer the questions that matter and provide you with ways to stay safe.
Let’s begin with a simple question, How does coronavirus spread?
According to WHO (World Health Organization), the virus spreads mainly from person to person between people who are in close contact with one another through droplets or aerosols that are produced from an infected person - even one with no symptoms.
That’s why staying at home is important not just for you but for others, we need to break the chain of infection to protect the most vulnerable to this disease.
Coronavirus can also spread from touching an infected surface or object. This is where your car comes into play. If you touch a surface or object in your car that has the virus on it and then you touch your own mouth, nose or eyes then you can be infected.
So that brings us to the next question, how long can Coronavirus survive on surfaces in my car?
To really understand that let’s first think about the types of materials that usually used on main touch-points in a car. Think steering wheel, knobs, buttons, touch screens, and all door handles. We can for most conclude the materials are mostly metal-based and covered with plastic.
What does science tell us, a recent study showed that the virus can survive up to four hours on copper, up to almost 24 hours on cardboard, and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel.
Unfortunately, this means that if an infected person spreads Coronavirus on surfaces in any can car they can be contaminated for several days. Even when parked in direct sunlight (that kills viruses because of UV rays), but our car tinted windows are designed to block UV rays so don’t depend on the sun.
In light of this information, how do I protect my car to protect my self and my family?
No need to panic, here are a few steps and precautions you can take that’ll make sure your car remains safe and Coronavirus free:
- Make sure to wash your hands regularly and specifically before and after you use your car.
- Give your car’s cabin a regular clean, using proper cleaning solutions with at least 70% alcohol.
- Start with the steering wheel. Most studies have shown that the steering wheel is one of the dirtiest things in your car if not in general.
- Don’t forget any other frequently touched surfaces. Here are a few obvious ones: door handles inside and out, gear knob, handbrake, lights and indicator stalk, wiper stalk, lights buttons, climate control buttons, window buttons, mirror movement controls, Infotainment buttons or touch screens, seat controls and seat belt buckle and release button.
- Remember to apply the same to any touchpoints for the back passengers, and boot space area as well.
- As we are advised to physically distance ourselves from others, the same applies to your car, try to limit people using your car to yourself and to a minimal number of people in your family, the less the better.
- Limit the number of times you use your car in general, we are advised to stay home to limit the spread, so use it when you need to. That means your car is idle for most of the time now so don’t forget to check out and follow our own #YallaCARonaTips to guide you on how to keep your car in good condition while idle.
Stay home, stay safe, and save lives.
