Whether you work in one of the essential sectors of the island, need to drive to the doctor, or need an urgent refill of your commodities, when you go outside you will inevitably be exposed to germs. Needless to say, you should wear gloves and masks… However, this alone is not sufficient. Here are a few tips to keep your car safe. 

Disinfect and sanitise

These are the watchwords during this time of crisis. Whenever you are in contact with the outside world, or if you are carrying a passenger who may have been contaminated, one good tip is to sanitise the car parts you use on a daily basis: the door handle, key or start button, gear shift, the steering wheel, and so forth. 

Using the proper products

Studies have proven that solutions containing at least 70 percent alcohol are effective in removing most germs. For the most part, nearly every interior surface of a vehicle can be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol without causing damage. 

Soap and water have been proven to disarm the virus, which is why it is so important to wash our hands, and a thorough cleaning with these for your seats and carpets will also be beneficial. As germs can live on surfaces such as metal, glass or plastic, you can use this solution to clean most of your car exterior, which may have been in contact with them.

It is noteworthy however that bleach or hydrogen peroxide is not recommended to clean on the inside of your car. While they can both kill the coronavirus and other germs they will likely damage the car’s upholstery. Ammonia-based cleaners should not be used on touch screens as they can disrupt their anti-glare and anti-fingerprint coatings.

Safety first

Even though your car is now cleaner and safer, don’t forget to wash your hands before and after driving. Your steering wheel may be neat but your hands may not be. Over and above the prevention of spreading the Covid19 virus, it is a great habit which can help your car looking less drab as well. 

And remember not to go out unless it is extremely urgent to do so! Until further notice, as from the 24th of March, the current opening times are as follows:

Supermarkets: from 9:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m (Monday to Friday – except on the 28th of March due to the public holiday on the 25th)

Shops: from 7:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m (Monday to Friday) and 7:00 a.m to 10:00 a.m (Saturday and Sunday)

Bakery: from 5:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m (Monday to Sunday)

Filling Stations: from 9:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m (Monday to Friday) and 9:00 a.m to 12.00 p.m (Saturday, Sunday and Public holidays)