COVID-19: Driving, refuelling and breakdowns

The two most important items in any car during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) emergency are single-use gloves and sanitised hand wipes.

A can of spray disinfectant like Glen-20, which the makers claim kills 99.9 per cent of germs and viruses on hard and soft surfaces, is also a good idea.

As for driving, it can be a good stress release but definitely not if you’re in any sort of lock-down or self-isolation.

Combating the COVID-19 virus is all about good sanitation, because it is transmitted through contact, even if it’s only something as simple as washing your hands after contact with any surface – even cash or a credit card.

It’s sensible to keep your car close to topped-up, especially with the low fuel prices at present. A full tank will also minimise any extra stops during your journeys.

It means you’re ready for any emergency, but if you need to take a family member or friend for medical care ensure you take precautions against infection.

At the pumps, take precautions against too much touching, limiting contact to the pump and your car.

Many service stations now have credit card payment systems so you don’t have to go inside the building or go face-to-face with any staff.

Single-use gloves are usually in a dispenser at the diesel pump so, if they have not been plundered, they are a good precaution.

Otherwise, wash your hands as soon as possible and/or apply some hand sanitiser.

Refuelling is also the ideal time to do some old-school preventative maintenance, which was once the responsibility of the staff who gave the service station its name.

Check the levels of oil and coolant, which are usually identified by bright yellow tags, and also the air pressure in all tyres. Including the spare, if you car has one, because it could be vital in the event of a puncture.

If you can, change the tyre yourself.

It’s not hard, but the two essentials are a properly inflated spare tyre and enough strength to loosen the wheel nuts. The best tip for tight nuts is to stand on the wheel brace for extra leverage.

Here’s our step by step to change a flat tyre. It’s an almost forgotten skill in a world where more than 65 per cent of millennials in Britain last year admitted they had no idea how to do basic car maintenance.

If you make a rescue call for a flat, be prepared when help arrives.

Keep the usual ’social distance’ but make life as easy as possible for the rescuer. Get everything you will need, including a club membership, ready to prevent contact.

If the car has to be towed or trailered, remove what you need and help the response team to minimise their work inside the cabin.

It’s a similar procedure to a roadside-assist call for a flat. But the RACV, like motor clubs across the country, says there are different procedures because of coronavirus.

“At this stage, our 24/7 call centres are operational and our Emergency Roadside Assistance patrols are still out on the road keeping members mobile,” says RACV spokesman, Brodie Bott.

“We are taking extra precautions when providing service to our members. When called to a roadside job, RACV Emergency Roadside Assist patrol may ask the member a set of questions to understand what precautions they need to take.

“They will follow social distancing practices, such as avoiding handshakes and maintaining an appropriate distance… continue to practice good hygiene.

And Bott sounds the usual warning about at-risk callers.

“We ask members who have recently returned from overseas, been in close contact with someone with COVID-19, or are displaying flu-like symptoms, to let us know when calling for assistance so we can make sure we can help you in the best way we can.”

Dealers are still open and people are still buying and selling.

Check out our previous car buying stories here, including whether to buy new or used, which new models are coming and vehicle financing FAQs.

As yet, transport departments have not reported any changes to their normal registration and licence testing operations but are urging people to use online services.

“Many VicRoads registration and licensing transactions can be undertaken online including checking and paying registration, ordering a replacement licence, buying custom plates and updating your personal details,” a Department of Transport spokesman told carsales.

“We are not closing any VicRoads customer service centres at this stage.

“[But] As part of our operational planning to respond to COVID-19, we’re working through a range of scenarios across our operations. We will continue to take the expert advice from the Department of Health and Human Services and act as needed and communicate with customers well ahead of time.

"If anyone with a face-to-face appointment is feeling unwell, they should stay at home as advised by the Chief Health Officer."

If you have to… But generally, buses and trams should be avoided if possible, while also minimising exposure through taxis and ride-share companies.

Health authorities have not called for wearing of masks, and they provide little if any protection, but they can make you feel better and avoid potential conflict with mask-wearers on public transport.

As always, wash your hands regularly and sanitise whenever and wherever you can.