With COVID-19 cases on the rise again, especially in Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi-NCR, it’s crucial to take precautions, particularly if you’re a daily car commuter. The active case count in the country is nearing 1000, signifying a need for renewed vigilance. Many of us tend to remove our masks once inside the car, forgetting that the virus can easily transfer from surfaces to our bodies. Therefore, understanding and sanitizing the key touchpoints in your vehicle is paramount to preventing infection.

When traveling, it’s essential to wear a mask even inside your car. Beyond just masking up, focus on sanitizing both the exterior and interior of your vehicle. For the exterior, prioritize door handles, the boot handle, side mirrors, and the door frame, as these are frequently touched areas. Inside, even if you sanitize your hands before entering, it’s wise to re-sanitize them immediately. Crucial interior touchpoints include the steering wheel, gear stick, handbrake, door handles, mirror buttons, radio and infotainment controls, steering control panel, elbow rest, seat position controls, AC vents, door frame, rearview camera, and seat belt buckle. Always keep hand sanitizer and a couple of extra masks in your car. Regularly vacuum the interior, and try to avoid using the handbrake unnecessarily or opting for valet parking services to minimize contact.