Stay Safe During the Incoming Vehicle Inventory and Prep Process

As vehicles come into your facility, whether from an insurance auction, an impound or towing yard, or from the public, they can be nasty, and that’s a fact! People cough and sneeze differently in their own vehicles than they might in someone else’s and wipe stuff, well, we won’t even go there.

According to consumer automotive expert Lauren Fix, of the Car Coach Report, the average vehicle has approximately 283 different types of bacteria in every square inch. The average steering wheel has four times more bacteria on it than a typical public toilet seat and the worst spots in cars are the front seat cup holder (1,179 germs per sq. in.), the dashboard air vent (1,082 germs per sq. in.), the driver side floor mats (1,197 germs per sq. in.) and the door handle (375 germs per sq. in.). And, this information came out before COVID-19!

Disinfecting these vehicles before removing viable parts is highly recommended, especially the interior. Here are some high-touch areas that should be sanitized by employees wearing snug-fitting latex or nitrile gloves, using EPA approved (listed in a previous Return-to-Work Strategies article) cleaning products:

Exterior driver side door handle

Steering wheel – including buttons

Center console – outside only

Gear Selector (Dial/Handle)

Radio/HVAC Areas

Touchscreen

Start/Stop button

Driver door armrest and center console

Window/Seat/Mirror controls

Rear View Mirror

Seatbelt Buckle & Anchor

Key fob

Other – Depending on vehicle, ensure all other key touchpoints are wiped down

Be Safe Out There!