COVID Breakdown Advice: 5 Tips for Roadside Social Distancing

That’s especially true when many of us are driving cars that are a bit out of practice with weeks of staying home. Not to mention the Government’s extension of MOTs due since lockdown began.

Of course, keeping your distance isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Especially in an emergency or a stressful situation such as a breakdown. So, what should you do if you find yourself high and dry

We’ve put together some handy tips on how to get the help you need, without compromising your personal safety or breaching social distancing rules.

1. Always travel with a mask

While it’s not mandatory to wear a mask in public, stashing one in your glovebox is one of the easiest ways to ramp up protection if you find yourself in a breakdown scenario. If you need to be towed it’s possible you’ll have to catch a ride with the driver or take a taxi home.

If this happens a mask can help to prevent the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19 in a small enclosed space. If you are offered a ride, try to sit in the back seat if possible and roll down the windows. It may seem strange, but these are unprecedented times and safety should always be a top priority.

2. Use hand sanitiser

Need to sign documents from the RAC or call a tow truck from the petrol station? A quick squirt of hand sanitiser before and after you touch anything another person has come into contact with can make a huge difference when it comes keeping COVID-19 at bay.

3. Deep clean when you get home

Whether it’s a flat tyre that can be fixed in a matter of minutes or a blown gasket that calls for several days at the garage, giving your car a deep clean when it arrives back in your driveway is a must.

If possible, avoid driving or cleaning the car immediately as research suggests COVID-19 can live on surfaces such as stainless steel for up to seven days. When it is time to clean, be sure to use PPE such as a face mask, gloves and an apron to avoid picking up any surviving remnants.

4. Keep your distance

It’s likely you’ll need to chat to the mechanic or tow truck driver, but this doesn’t mean you have to get too close for comfort. As always, try to keep at least 2 metres apart and avoid shaking hands, using the same pen or standing too close while the expert is taking a look at your ride. Interactions should be as quick as possible. If you have non-urgent questions, consider firing them through later in an email or text.

5. Upgrade your car

Okay, maybe not a social distancing tip per-se. But upgrading your car is a great way to avoid the stress – and close proximity – of a breakdown. Best of all, it doesn’t have to cost the world up front. My Car Credit helps everyday drivers secure finance for new cars that are safe and reliable.

Calculate car finance and start your application today without any hassle or delays.