As COVID-19 continues to disrupt everyday life across America, people are taking extra precautions to protect themselves against the virus. Since the coronavirus can be transmitted by small droplets released when a person with COVID-19 coughs or sneezes, one of the most important things to do is to sanitize all surfaces you come in contact with. This includes vehicles, whether it’s a car rental, a ride-share vehicle, or your own.
GPO Tuning, a BMW repair center in Nashville, shares tips on how you can reduce the risk of coronavirus on vehicles.
Wash your hands
The Centers for Disease Control recommends frequent handwashing, especially before and after eating, using the restroom, caring for people who need assistance, and sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose. Washing your hands before and after using your car can help lower the risk of transmitting the virus from the outside to your vehicle, and vise versa.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If you’re using a hand sanitizer, make sure it has at least 60 percent alcohol content.
Disinfect your vehicle
Here’s a list of cleaning products approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that you can use to disinfect your vehicle. Always read the labels to make sure you’re using the right product for the surface you’re cleaning; plastic, vinyl, and glass for example, have different specifications. If you’re always on the go, Nashville BMW repair center GPO Tuning recommends having a stash of disinfectant wipes in the car so you’re ready for any situation.
Focus on your car’s frequently touched surfaces
Disinfect common touch points such as the door handle, key fob, steering wheel, touchscreens, seatbelts, car seats, and most especially the dashboard, which is a hotbed for bacteria.
While your car’s exterior surfaces are less susceptible to carrying the virus, it won’t hurt to clean them as well. Also, be wary of gas pump handles and keypads at gas stations.
Wipe down your car, especially of you’re driving children and seniors
According to the World Health Organization, people over the age of 60 and those with underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and cancer are the most susceptible to COVID-19. Children, on the other hand, are unsuspecting carriers of the virus because they’re less conscious of personal hygiene. They are more likely to spread the virus to their parents and relatives than be sick because of it.
If your car is used to shuttle both children and the elderly, BMW repair shop GPO Tuning recommends disinfecting the car before and after each trip, even if both groups are not in it at the same time.
Ride-sharing vehicles, car rentals, and taxis
Steer clear of ride-sharing services for now, if possible. If using one can’t be avoided, always have a hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes with you and wipe down surfaces before touching anything.
Uber and Lyft are implementing additional safety measures and are temporarily suspending accounts of both riders and drivers reported if they are notified that these users are feeling sick.
Car rentals and taxis should be thorough and consistent in disinfecting vehicles before and after each trip.
Providing BMW repair services in Nashville, GPO Tuning is working hard to ensure everyone’s safety. Steps being taken include:
- Disinfecting their lobby and drop off box, envelopes, and door slots after every use
- Disinfecting all car interiors before any work commences, or at pick up
- Disinfecting all car interiors upon job completion
- Having a zero-touch option for dropping off and picking up vehicles
As an essential service provider for transportation, GPO Tuning is open for business. Get in touch with them today to book an appointment.
German Performance Options (GPO Tuning) is Nashville’s most trusted BMW repair shop. Call 615.248.9466 to speak to one of their service advisors.
