What Vehicle Owners Can Do to Protect Themselves and Repair Technicians from COVID-19

With much of the United States under stay-at-home orders from officials, many of us are not driving our cars as often or at all. However, there are things you and your family will need eventually while riding out the pandemic. Someone in your house will have to leave at some point to restock food rations and other daily essentials. Someone in your family might need to seek medical care, or a pet could require emergency veterinary treatment. That said, even though your car is sitting parked most days, it should remain reliable and in good working order.

Perhaps you’ve noticed something amiss with your vehicle on one of your recent trips out of the house. Your car issue may be a matter of safety, whether you’re driving a lot for essential tasks or not as much. As a vehicle owner taking a personal car in for service, make sure you’re doing everything you can to protect yourself and your vehicle repair technicians from possible exposure to the coronavirus. Here’s what you need to know about seeking car services and how to stay safe in public during COVID-19 in Madison, TN.

Auto repairs or maintenance: Yay or nay?

Many questions have likely crossed your mind lately, mostly related to COVID-19 and when it will end. Another question among people around the world is whether or not they can leave their homes during a shelter-in-place order. In the United States, many counties say it’s okay to leave your home for essentials, including groceries, curbside food pickup, daily necessities like personal hygiene products, medical care and gasoline. In addition, there are a number of essential businesses still open to offer their services—auto repair and maintenance providers among them.

Should you put off auto repairs or maintenance until the shelter-in-place order is lifted? That depends on what needs to be done. First, it’s best to delay routine car maintenance if you can. After all, you’re stuck at home anyway, and not driving as much as usual. However, a major part replacement or repair may be a matter of urgent safety. Talk to your mechanic before going in.

How to stay safe at auto shops

We’re in the middle of a pandemic. If you must take your vehicle in for service, the following steps are crucial:

• Find out the shop’s least busy time and schedule your appointment then.
• Disinfect car door handles and interior surfaces for your service technician.
• Practice physical/social distancing. Leave at least six feet between you and others. Wait outdoors if possible.
• When you get your car back, use a disinfectant on all door handles, seats, keys and other interior surfaces.
• Wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer after touching anything in the shop. Don’t touch your face.
• STAY HOME if you are feeling sick, have a diagnosis of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who has it. Don’t spread the virus. Your car can wait.

Knowing how to stay distanced at open businesses in Madison, TN is crucial in this age of COVID-19. Rivergate Muffler & Auto Repair is just a phone call away. Let us know how we can help!

Categorised in: Auto Repair Shop

This post was written by Writer