By Rachael McBride, Public Relations Manager, carsales.com.au
In challenging times, it is important to be aware of hygiene – and that also means in the car
In the face of extraordinary measures to help curtail the spread of COVID-19, it’s important to consider appropriate hygiene and cleaning regimes to keep demonstrator, new, used and even service loan cars as safe as possible.
In the coming weeks (and potentially months!), communication and trust will be key – buyers will need reassurance that all precautionary measures are being considered, and the #1 concern is likely to be hygiene.
In conjunction with Motorsport Safety and Rescue (MSR) and Ambulance Victoria, carsales has compiled a list of simple steps to help minimise the risk for potential buyers and staff alike, and offer further peace of mind.
Alcohol-based disinfectant or wipes – Before and after any drive (demo, service test drive or the like), clean the interior touch points of all vehicles with an alcohol-based disinfectant or wipes.
Wear gloves – Wear gloves when cleaning! As an additional hygiene test, swap the cleaning gloves over with a clean pair and do another wipe down to check there is no remaining dust or grime.
Touch points – Key touch points that should be targeted in each vehicle include the key fob, steering wheel, transmission shifter, door handles and other places that would normally be touched such as the volume knob or heating controls. And let’s not forget about the indicator and wiper stalks! Anything a buyer touches (including seats), should be cleaned and/or disinfected.
Keep your distance – Remember the government ‘personal distance’ protocols to help reduce the risk of person-to-person infection. If on test drives, perhaps consider sitting in the back seat.
Air flow – Consider driving with the window/s open and/or airing the vehicles out post test drive. The more air flow the better