How Clean Is Your Car’s Interior? Several Factors That Contribute to Poor Air Quality
Whether they’re commuting to work, running errands, or driving to and from social events, Americans spend a fair amount of time in their cars. While this time may vary throughout the week, the average is 87 minutes a day. Given this, it’s important to consider a car’s interior environment and whether or not it contains air pollutants and other health hazards.
Air Pollutants Located Within Vehicles
The Dohring Co. conducted a survey that addressed the air pollutants contained within vehicles. Most, or 95% of the participants, stated that they were concerned about this situation. One of the factors that contributes to air pollution within a vehicle is driving on the freeway. The interior environment may actually be two to ten times more polluted than the air outside the vehicle.
In order to reduce this pollution, experts recommend using carpool lanes when possible. The air in these lanes is 30% to 50% cleaner due to the lack of buses and trucks. It’s also recommended to not drive behind diesel cars or trucks.
Bacteria Located Within Vehicles
Studies have shown that cars and car trunks both contain a considerable amount of bacteria. A study conducted by GAP Enviromicrobial Services, for example, located 17,000 times more bacteria in people’s cars than their homes.
Another study was conducted by celebrity microbiologist, Charles P. Gerba. The results of this one showed that more bacteria is located in cars that transport children and where beverages and food have been spilled. This is due to the fact that these substances provide food for bacteria to grow.
An Aston University in Birmingham study showed that car trunks, where people usually place their groceries, also contain a significant amount of bacteria. This study determined that there were approximately 850 bacteria in this area.
How to Improve a Car’s Interior Environment
A car’s interior environment can be improved in a variety of ways. In addition to driving in the carpool lane when possible, not eating or drinking in the car can make a difference. Cars should also be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis.
Replacing carpets and mats is another step that can be taken. Even when car carpets are kept vacuumed and washed, it’s still a good idea to replace them after a certain period of time. While some car owners may want to replace their carpet more or less often, experts recommend doing so when it is ten or more years old.
In addition to normal wear and tear, food and other types of stains may continue to harbor bacteria. When people and their pets climb in and out of the car, they may track in dirt and other debris. Pet dander and fur can also build up over time and contribute to allergies and other issues.
Contact a Carpet Supply Manufacturer
When you’re a restoration specialist or work in another facet of the auto business, you know the importance of having a variety of carpet and flooring available for your customers. There’s a good chance, for example, that you currently have customers that need custom car carpet for specific vehicle models. In this instance, you want to obtain custom car carpet from the best manufacturer available.
In addition to being able to supply your customers with custom car carpet and various types of replacement carpet, you also want to have access to a good selection of floor and trunk mats. This includes classic car mats as well as foam and felt trunk mats. When you contact a supply manufacturer, you’ll be able to learn more about these and other available products for your business.