In these uncertain times when the coronavirus continues to affect every aspect of our lives, it is not a time to panic. Keeping yourself and loved ones as safe as possible is generally everyone’s primary concern.
We all have heard by now that the best method for reducing the spread of coronaviruses and other pathogens is by washing our hands, and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that we come into contact with; however, not much is said about or explained about how to clean and disinfect your car properly.
Your car is a perfect breeding ground, not only for coronaviruses, but for other infectious diseases, germs and pathogens. Think about it, it is one of the first things you touch after leaving somewhere or pumping gas (just imagine what is on that handle).
When it comes to cleaning and disinfecting your car, the primary areas on which to focus will be those surfaces and areas that you and/or others have touched, sneezed or coughed on – like your door handles, steering wheel, gearshift, center consoles, armrest, seats, dash and carpet. These surfaces are not like the ones you find inside your home and are often made of vinyl, leather, plastic, metal, painted metal, chrome and so on. That’s why when we are following the CDC guidelines for cleaning and sanitizing, we just have to be a little more selective about the products we use to clean and sanitize auto areas and parts.
You should avoid using bleach and/or products that may contain chlorine or other similar agents. Not only can this change the appearance of certain car surfaces and parts, but can actually weaken their molecular makeup, as in the case of your seatbelts. Getting bleach or chlorine on them can actually weaken the woven material(s). Products containing peroxide-based cleaners should be avoided as well, as they can have the same outcome.
Those products that contain at least 70% alcohol will work the best, although soap and water can be just as effective on certain surfaces. So, have a good idea of what the part or area is made of before you start applying chemicals or cleaners to it. The best approach would be to clean hard surfaces with soap and water, and after it’s cleaned, apply an alcohol-based disinfectant. Don’t forget to get areas like your seatbelt buckle and latch, buttons and controls (be careful with how saturated your cleaning towel is, as you do not want to get any liquid inside the electronic components).
The CDC suggests that fabrics are an unlikely source of contamination, so your cloth upholstery and carpets should be fine with a good scrubbing with your soap and water towel. Leather upholstery and items made of leather, like your steering wheel, need a little more TLC. Repeatedly using soap and water, followed by a disinfectant, will take a toll on leather materials, drying them out and cracking. So, after every three or four times you clean and disinfect, remember to pamper your leather with an appropriate leather care product to ensure you are returning some moisture so it does not crack and tear.
Finally, with everything going on, you may find that you are driving your car a lot less because of the circumstances, like being home quarantined, or the opposite, you are driving around a lot more because you are running errands and such for relatives and friends that may be elderly or immuno-
compromised. Either way, they both present some challenges. If your car sits out too long, without being driven, a lot can go wrong and if you desperately need to get somewhere, like the hospital, your vehicle may not start.
Vehicles should be driven at least once per week. Going out and starting your car for a few minutes and letting it idle does not count. You should get in the car and physically drive it for five to 10 miles, preferably going through the speed range up to highway MPH. Pay attention to odd sounds, performance issues and any warning lights that may be displayed. Make sure all your gauges are reading at the right levels and that all your fluids are where they should be. Having your car filled with gas is important as well, not only will you need it when you have to go somewhere; but you will actually help your gas tank stay healthier by reducing water condensation inside the tank. Also, keep in mind that gasoline (especially that which contains ethanol) will “go bad” in as little as six to eight weeks. If this is the case, make sure you add some stabilizing agent so this does not occur.
If you find that you are driving your car much more than you are used to, remember to keep in mind your service intervals, check on fluids and gauges and react accordingly.
Times are different, but common sense is never out of style; use it especially when dealing with your vehicle(s). QCBN
By “Mac” Macfarlane
As always, if I can ever answer any questions, please contact me, Dave “Mac” MacFarlane General Manager, Findlay Subaru Prescott 3230 Willow Creek Rd Prescott, AZ 86305 928-771-6900 dmacfarlane@findlayauto.com
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