Car features that may curb the spread of germs

It is anticipated that many industries will slowly start-up again, meaning that many of us will be back on the road. We will still have to practise social distancing and ensure that the appropriate hygiene protocols are adhered to. Volvo has sent us a list of potential in-car features that could potentially prevent the spread of germs. These items are available on a wide variety of new vehicles and are worthy of consideration.

Touchless infotainment systems

Infotainment systems sure have come a long way. They started out life back in the 1930s as basic radios, governed by knobs and buttons. Today, the modern-day infotainment system bears no resemblance to those archaic radios – yes they do still control media, but they are also the command centre for anything and everything from climate control to navigation. Significantly, they are also becoming touchless. As an example, Volvo’s system uses infrared sensing technology that allows drivers to operate it while wearing gloves. This technology was initially developed to reduce interaction and therefore the potential for distraction.

Advanced climate control systems

Due to rising smog and pollution levels, the quality of the in-car cabin air has become important, especially for those living in big cities. The desire to enhance the quality of air is not something new and has been around since the late 1990s. Today, many cars feature air quality systems that use extremely efficient multi-filters to intercept participles and pollen. They also feature a layer of active charcoal, which is designed to effectively remove a wide variety of contaminants that can cause harm to a driver’s health.

In addition, a sensor monitors incoming air for noxious substances – if the level of harmful substances detected is deemed too high, the car’s air intake closes automatically. By working together, the multi-filter and sensor are able to keep out a host of harmful pollutants. Initially designed to help sufferers of allergies, hypersensitivity, and asthma, this car feature is likely to be tested in the future for its effectiveness in helping to keep out airborne viruses.

Magical tailgates

It’s possible to open or close the tailgate with a single foot movement under many a car’s rear bumpers. Today, opening your car after a stint in the store can be a source of deep anxiety, as the fear of transmitting a virus by touching the car becomes a real concern. This handy feature is now doubling up as a potential lifesaver, giving the driver a chance to stow away shopping and sanitise hands before touching any part of the car.

Voice control

More and more features in modern cars can be controlled purely with voice. Once considered a safety feature to help to reduce driver distraction, voice-activated technology is now considered a novel way to keep your hands off the in-car surfaces and away from spreading a virus.