The car as a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria - tips on how to stay safe from coronavirus in your own car
Although you may think that your car is currently a kind of safe isolation unit in which you are not in danger, you still need to take extra care and think about the possible risks.
Basic principles
If you do have to go somewhere, drive alone and do not share the car with anyone. If it is not possible to avoid travelling with passengers, avoid people with acute respiratory symptoms and use a respirator or at least a mask. Take the contact details of all passengers so that they can be traced and contacted in the event of infection.
Disinfect
Preventive hygiene measures should also be intensively practiced. Disinfect all surfaces (handles, gear lever, steering wheel and other controls and surfaces) preferably before and after driving. Don't forget the levers under the steering wheel, the armrest or seats and the luggage compartment handle.
What do I use to disinfect the car?
Use at least a 70 per cent alcohol solution. These are the substances that are effective against the new type of coronavirus. Isopropyl alcohol, for example, will not harm any of the common surfaces in the car. In fact, even car manufacturers and their subcontractors use it to clean parts. You can also wipe the seat upholstery and other soft surfaces in the car with alcohol for your own peace of mind. However, you should never literally get the surfaces wet or scrub them too much.
Leather surfaces should be treated with leather protectants after cleaning, and microfiber cloths are ideal for cleaning all surfaces using all methods.
Ventilate and clean the air conditioning
At the same time as disinfecting, you should air the car thoroughly. This also involves cleaning the air conditioning. However, it's not really advisable to go to the car service for this at the moment. You can buy special sprays for home air conditioning cleaning. A cleaner heating and air conditioning circuit means a lower risk of a virus settling in it.
You may have a spray in your medicine cabinet.
Many of you may not know it, but some of you have a drape right in your car medicine cabinet. In fact, in some European countries, it was until recently part of the compulsory equipment, while in others it is still compulsory. So take a look in your first aid kit to see if you have a visor.
Be careful at petrol stations too
If you drive regularly at this time of year, you'll probably need to fill up frequently. You should limit contact with staff at petrol stations and preferably choose a self-service station. You should remember to wear disposable gloves when refuelling, and wash your hands immediately after refuelling or at least disinfect them with a disinfectant - you should carry a good supply of this in your car.
Ideally, you should use a modern method to pay for the fuel you use: for example, a contactless payment card or mobile phone. Ideally, you should fill the tank completely so that you don't have to go to the petrol station as often.
