Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been worry about how long the virus stays on surfaces, including in cars. It’s been a major topic of discussion. Vehicles, especially shared ones, can spread viruses if not cleaned and ventilated. Public health agencies have focused on airborne transmission. But can they catch the virus from contaminated surfaces in closed spaces, like cars?
This article, based on current research, explores how COVID-19 survives on car surfaces. It offers practical steps to protect yourself and others. We will dive into the following areas:
- The nature of the virus and its survival on surfaces.
- Key surfaces in a car where the virus can linger.
- Factors that influence how long the virus lasts on surfaces.
- How to clean and disinfect your vehicle effectively.
- Additional safety measures to reduce the risk of surface transmission.
Understanding COVID-19 and Surface Transmission.
COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It mainly spreads via respiratory droplets from an infected person. This can happen when they cough, sneeze, talk, or breathe. This is the main transmission mode. However, contaminated surfaces can also spread the virus. Touching a contaminated surface and then the face may cause infection. This is especially true for the mouth, nose, or eyes.
The virus has a lipid (fatty) layer. It helps the virus stick to surfaces and survive outside the human body for a time. The virus’s ability to infect depends on the surface type. Hard, non-porous surfaces, like plastic, hold it for less time than soft, porous ones, like fabric.
How Long Does COVID-19 Last on Different Car Surfaces?
To know how long COVID-19 lasts on car surfaces, we must identify the car’s interior materials. These surfaces include plastic, leather, fabric, metal, and glass. COVID-19 survival time varies by surface material. The virus can persist for different durations on different surfaces.
- Plastic Surfaces (Dashboard, Steering Wheel, Door Handles)
Plastic is a non-porous surface where the virus can remain active for a relatively long time. SARS-CoV-2 can survive on plastic for 72 hours, under ideal conditions, studies suggest. That’s three days. In a car, the dashboard, steering wheel, gear shift, and door handles often touch plastic. These areas may be riskier if not disinfected, especially with multiple users.
- Metal Surfaces (Door Locks, Seat Belt Buckles)
Metal, like plastic, is a non-porous surface, and the virus can remain viable on it for up to 48 to 72 hours. In a car, this applies to parts like door locks, seat belt buckles, and some metal components, like the gear lever. Metal’s survival rate is similar to plastic’s. However, studies suggest it might degrade slightly faster on some metal surfaces.
- Leather and Faux Leather (Seats, Steering Wheel Cover)
Leather, whether real or synthetic (faux leather), is semi-porous. The virus may survive on leather for shorter periods than on plastic or metal. But it can remain viable for up to 24 to 48 hours. Use safe disinfectants to clean leather car surfaces, like seats and steering wheels.
- Fabric Surfaces (Upholstery, Carpets, Floor Mats)
Fabric is porous. Studies suggest that COVID-19 may not last as long on it as on non-porous surfaces. Research indicates that the virus can survive on fabrics for 24 to 48 hours. However, fabric surfaces can trap droplets and contaminants. So, they pose a risk in shared or frequently used vehicles. Also, fabrics can be harder to disinfect. So, pay special attention to cleaning car upholstery and carpets.
- Glass Surfaces (Windows, Touchscreens, Rearview Mirrors)
Some studies found that glass, like plastic and metal, is non-porous. The virus can survive on it for up to 96 hours (four days). Car windows, touchscreens, and rearview mirrors are made of glass. They could harbor the virus if touched by an infected person. Clean these areas regularly. They are often visible and touched. This will reduce transmission risks.
Factors That Affect COVID-19’s Survival in a Car.
The above durations are from lab tests. In the real world, several factors can affect how long the virus lasts on car surfaces.
- Temperature
Higher temperatures have been shown to reduce the lifespan of the virus on surfaces. A car parked in direct sunlight can heat its interior. This may reduce the survival time of COVID-19 on its surfaces. Conversely, in cooler environments, the virus may last longer. Studies have shown that the virus becomes less stable at temperatures above 25°C (77°F).
- Humidity
Humidity levels also play a role in the virus’s survivability. The virus degrades faster in high-humidity environments. It may last longer in dry conditions. In low-humidity, air-conditioned cars, viral particles may last longer on surfaces than in humid areas.
- Surface Cleaning
Frequent and effective cleaning of surfaces is key. It reduces the risk of surface transmission. Disinfect surfaces with approved cleaners, like 70% alcohol sprays or wipes. They kill the virus faster.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Car – Best Practices.
The virus can survive on various surfaces in your car. So, regular cleaning and disinfection are essential to prevent transmission. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you keep your vehicle safe:
- Start with ventilation.
Before cleaning, ventilate your car by opening the windows or doors. This will help disperse any viral particles that might be in the air. Also, good ventilation in a vehicle can reduce airborne particles. They could settle on surfaces.
- Use the right cleaning products.
The EPA and CDC recommend using disinfectants with at least 70% alcohol to kill the virus on surfaces. Avoid bleach and hydrogen peroxide on sensitive materials like leather or fabric. They can cause damage.
Some effective disinfectants for car surfaces include:
- Isopropyl alcohol (70% concentration)
- Alcohol-based disinfectant wipes
- Mild soap and water are used on surfaces like leather and fabric.
- Clean High-Touch Areas
Focus on the areas of the car that are frequently touched, such as:
- Steering wheel
- Door handles (inside and outside)
- Seat belt buckles
- Gear shift
- Dashboard
- Touchscreens and control buttons
- Rearview mirrors
Use alcohol-based wipes or sprays to wipe down each surface. Then, allow them to dry. For leather surfaces, use specific leather cleaners or conditioners. This will prevent drying or cracking after disinfection.
- Don’t forget the fabrics.
Vacuuming is a good starting point for fabric seats and carpets. After vacuuming, use a disinfectant spray designed for fabric surfaces. If you need more clarity about the product’s safety, test it on a small, hidden area first.
- Dispose of cleaning materials safely.
After cleaning your car, safely dispose of gloves, wipes, and other disposable materials. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds afterward.
Other measures to reduce COVID-19 risks in cars.
Besides cleaning surfaces, take other steps to reduce COVID-19 transmission in your car:
- Use masks when sharing the car.
If you are carpooling with people outside your household, wear a mask. It can help reduce the spread of respiratory droplets. This is vital in confined spaces like cars, where social distancing is impossible.
- Limit the number of passengers.
Reducing the number of passengers in your car can lower the risk of viral spread. Ideally, only members of your immediate household should share the car with you. If this is impossible, keep your distance. Sit in different parts of the vehicle and keep the windows open for ventilation.
- Hand Hygiene
Please ask all passengers to use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol before entering the car. Avoid touching your face, especially after touching surfaces that may be contaminated.
- Regular Ventilation
Keeping your car well-ventilated while driving is crucial. Opening the windows allows fresh air to circulate. It helps dilute any infectious particles. If you can’t open the windows, use the car’s ventilation system. Set the air to circulate from outside, not to recirculate the interior air.
Conclusion:
The risk of catching COVID-19 from surfaces in a car is lower than from the air. But it is still a concern. The virus can survive on car surfaces for hours to days, depending on the material and conditions. Regular cleaning, disinfecting, good ventilation, and hand hygiene can cut transmission risks.
