| Some cleaners can harm your vehicle’s interior. Here are Nissan’s tips for disinfecting your vehicle safely. JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – What’s the best way to disinfect your vehicle to help stop the spread of Covid-19? The US-based Centres for Disease Control and Prevention says hand-washing is crucial, but so is disinfecting surfaces, including those in your car. The CDC recommends wearing disposable gloves to clean and disinfect surfaces with soap and water before disinfection. A soft or microfibre cloth dampened with soap and water can be used on hard surfaces. Most common disinfectants are effective but some are not ideal for vehicles – among them bleach, hydrogen peroxide, benzene, thinners and abrasive cleaners that can damage upholstery and interiors. CHECK FIRST… Alcohol-based wipes or sprays with at least 70% alcohol are effective against the coronavirus – but The Corner recommends trying whichever product you choose on a small section of your cabin. Ford says info screens, rather than ammonia-based cleaners, should be wiped with a soft cloth dampened with soap and water, dried, then wiped with a clean soft cloth Here’s Nissan’s checklist for vehicle surfaces to disinfect: Steering-wheel Key and remote fob Exterior door releases (front, rear and each side) Boot lid or liftgate grab areas Interior door pulls and door panels Start button, if equipped Rearview mirror, back and edges HVAC vents Gear selector Turn signal lever Windshield wiper controls Centre stack knobs Centre console and armrests Seat belt and buckle. (Avoid harsh cleaners on the belt material to avoid degrading the fibres and strength) Parking brake handle or release lever |
