With scorching Bank Holiday temperatures sweeping the UK, motorists are being urged to remove four everyday items from their vehicles to avoid interior damage and safety risks
As the UK braces for a sweltering Bank Holiday weekend, drivers are being strongly advised to check their vehicles and remove several household items that could pose serious risks when left in hot cars.
Temperatures have already soared to 30°C in parts of the south, including London, while areas further north, such as Leeds and Sheffield, have recorded highs of 27–29°C. Even as the weekend progresses, the Met Office forecasts a warm stretch, with 26°C expected on Friday and 22°C on Saturday.
In such heat, the interior of a parked car can easily exceed 40°C, turning it into a potential danger zone for certain common items.
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Experts are warning motorists to act quickly to prevent potential damage or health risks. Here are the four items drivers should remove from their cars immediately:
Bottled Water
Staying hydrated during hot spells is vital, but leaving bottled water in a parked car is far from safe. Not only can the plastic begin to leach harmful chemicals into the water when exposed to prolonged heat, but there’s also a lesser-known fire risk. In extreme heat, the curved surface of the bottle can magnify sunlight and focus it onto car interiors like upholstery or carpet, potentially starting a fire.
Sun Cream
A summertime essential, sun cream is another item best taken with you, not left in the glovebox. The high temperatures can cause pressure to build up inside the bottle, especially if it’s plastic, leading to leakage or even explosion, which can stain or damage the car’s interior. Moreover, excessive heat can compromise the effectiveness of sun cream, making it far less protective against UV rays.
Medicines
Painkillers and other over-the-counter medications may appear unaffected after sitting in a hot car, but high temperatures can degrade their active ingredients. This can render them less effective or, in some cases, entirely useless. Motorists are advised to check medicine packaging for safe storage guidelines, most list a maximum temperature limit. When in doubt, it’s safest to carry medicine with you rather than leave it baking in the car.
Battery-Powered Devices
Phones, tablets, cameras, and other battery-operated electronics are especially vulnerable in hot vehicles. Lithium-ion batteries can begin to fail, lose charge rapidly, or even overheat and catch fire in extreme temperatures. As tempting as it may be to leave your gadgets behind, it’s far safer to take them with you, particularly during peak heat hours.
With more hot weather on the way, taking a few simple precautions could prevent costly damage, health hazards, or worse. Drivers are urged to double-check their vehicles before locking up and walking away, particularly during midday heat when interior temperatures spike.