Abstain from keeping these objects inside your vehicle during warm temperatures.
In the sweltering heat of summer, it's essential to be mindful of the items we leave in our cars. The internal temperature of parked vehicles can quickly soar, creating a hazardous environment for a variety of everyday items.
One such item is sunscreen. Exposure to extreme heat can cause the formula to separate, lose effectiveness, leak, and in the case of aerosol or spray sunscreens, there's the potential for them to explode or burst.
Hand sanitizers, another common item, can degrade in heat, reducing their effectiveness. While spontaneous combustion is unlikely, heat can still pose a risk, and they may act as accelerants in a fire.
Batteries, including those found in smartphones, laptops, and portable chargers, are also at risk. High temperatures can cause batteries, especially lithium-ion types, to swell, leak corrosive chemicals, or even catch fire. Even standard AA or AAA batteries can leak when exposed to temperatures over 100°F, which can occur quickly inside a parked car.
Other items to avoid include perishable foods, which can spoil and promote the growth of bacteria that could cause food poisoning. Cans of soda or beer can explode in hot weather and cause damage to the car's interior. Electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and portable consoles can overheat and potentially explode in hot weather.
Lighters, even if stored in the glove box, can pose a fire risk in hot weather. Water bottles should not be left in a car as they can release harmful substances when exposed to heat.
To mitigate these risks, it's advisable to park in the shade whenever possible. If shade isn't available, use sunshades or UV protection film to further protect your vehicle from heat. Whenever possible, avoid leaving items that could act as fire hazards or accelerate fire inside vehicles due to heat exposure.
Other general considerations include opening windows and doors for a few minutes before getting back in the car to evacuate excessively hot, stuffy air. Gradually turning on the air conditioning when getting back in the car can also help avoid thermal shock.
Lastly, remember to stay hydrated by drinking water regularly. By being mindful of the items we leave in our cars during hot weather, we can help ensure the safety of ourselves and our vehicles.
[1] Consumer Reports. (2021). The Dangers of Leaving Items in Your Car During Hot Weather. [online] Available at: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-maintenance/dangers-of-leaving-items-in-your-car-during-hot-weather-a1465904863/ [5] The Weather Channel. (2021). What Happens When You Leave These 10 Items in Your Car During the Summer. [online] Available at: https://www.weather.com/lifestyle/home/news/10-items-you-should-never-leave-in-your-car-during-the-summer
In the context of summer heat and the items we should be mindful of leaving in our cars, Sunscreen and other health-and-wellness products such as hand sanitizers could potentially degrade and lose effectiveness due to extreme heat. To avoid such issues, it's recommended to store these items in shaded areas or under UV protection to maintain their health benefits.
