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• Fueling stations could be a possible hot spot where Covid-19 can be spread.
• By protecting yourself, you are protecting others.
• We list 8 tips that can minimise exposure to the virus.
• For more motoring stories, go to www.Wheels24.co.za
Though under lockdown, many South Africans would have needed to fill their vehicle's fuel tanks. Even when said vehicle wasn't driven as much, the need to refill will always be there. Unfortunately, the need to refill can leave you exposed to the deadly coronavirus.
This prompted MasterDrive to look at several ways you can protect yourself and others at a fueling station. These tips can minimise your exposure to the virus when you visit your nearest fuel station.
Eugene Herbert, managing director of MasterDrive, says: "While one should avoid hysteria or paranoia, you should also take precautions to look after yourself."
Fuel pumps (Getty Images)
Tips at the station
1 Do not forget to put your mask on as soon as you arrive and before you speak to the petrol attendant.
2 Wherever possible, make use of the tap function on your card.
3 However, card limits and petrol costs often make Point 2 prohibitive, and you may need to enter your pin. Some petrol stations may provide sanitiser before and after entering a pin.
4 If they do not, keep a hand sanitiser bottle or wipes in your car.
5 There are numerous stories on social media saying that sanitisers can set your car alight. Specific conditions, however, are required for this to happen, spontaneous combustion is not possible. Gel or liquid hand sanitisers need an external ignition source to catch alight. The heat of a car alone is not enough to cause a fire. So, it is safe to keep a hand sanitiser in your vehicle.
READ: Here's how much fuel you can purchase with the average South African salary in 2020
6 If you need a bathroom break, try to avoid using the facilitates at a petrol station. Many surfaces could still be holding the virus, and you would be safer waiting until home or using a sanitiser if you need to wash your hands.
7 When you sanitise your car, do not forget to clean the area around your petrol cap both inside and out so that you protect both yourself and the next petrol attendant.
8 If a petrol attendant touches anything else, for example under the bonnet, be sure to wipe that down as well.
Herbert concludes: "Following these few simple techniques could not only keep you safe, but it also shows consideration to the petrol attendants who assist a large amount of people throughout the day."
Hand sanitiser (MotorPress)
Compiled by: Charlen Raymond
