With the global pandemic increasing a focus on personal hygiene there has been a drive towards keeping things clean, but do you know where to look for the bacteria in your car?
Two different studies published recently show the amount of germs to be found in car, and the most likely hiding places. A study by ATS Euromaster, in partnership with John Ward, professor of synthetic biology for bioprocessing at University College of London found that cup holders were the worst place to find bacteria, closely followed by dashboard buttons and the steering wheel. Ward found up to 800 different bacteria in his research, with most of it originating from our mouths and skin cells, which can sometimes be harmful if ingested.
Ward said: “Studies have found that on the average toilet seat there are 50 bacteria per square inch. The most heavily contaminated parts of a car number between 2,000 and 4,000.”
A separate study by Toyota highlighted the total number of areas in a car which could have harmful bacteria, with the company’s professional car detailer revealing the problem spots.
“Certainly the exterior driver’s door handle and interior driver’s handle, as well as the electric window control console,” said Toyota’s Ben Taylor.
“Then there’s the steering wheel and horn, the gearstick and surprisingly the rear-view mirror, because most people adjust the rear-view mirror when they get in the car.
“The interior of the driver’s door is a common touch point, especially on our press fleet cars which are driven by many different people. Think about all the people who get in the car and use the controls to put window down a bit.”
Toyota’s List Of Germ Hang-Outs
1 Exterior door handles
2 Frame of door and roof
3 Interior door release
4 Window switches
5 Interior door handle
6 Door pocket
7 Seatbelts
8 Seatbelt clips
9 Seat adjust buttons
10 Steering wheel
11 Horn
12 Control stalks
13 Driver air vents
14 Dashboard
15 Power button
16 Gear shift
17 Multimedia screen
18 Central air vents
19 Heating controls
20 Glovebox
21 Log book
22 Central storage compartment
23 Cupholders
24 Rear-view mirror
25 Interior lights
26 Grab handle
27 Key
28 Head rests
29 Seat pockets
30 Rear central tab
31 Fuel cap
32 Wheel valves
33 Boot lid
34 Parcel shelf
35 Boot floor tab
36 Boot close button
37 Bonnet lid
38 Washer cap
39 Dipstick
40 Oil cap