UK motorists up and down the nation are being urged to never leave these 10 common items in their car for long periods of time, ahead of the mini heatwave slated to hit the UK next week
Brits have been issued a stark warning over 10 common items that should removed from their cars this weekend.
With temperatures set to exceed 30 degrees in mid-June, drivers are being urged to clear their vehicles of everyday items that can become dangerous or damaged in the heat. Parked cars exposed to soaring temperatures rapidly heat up, meaning there are a number of objects that could be severely damaged or even pose risks to your health and safety — and wallet — if left behind.
According to the RSPCA, when it is 22C outside, the temperature inside a car can reach a dangerous 47C. So with that in mind, here are 10 items you should remove from your car before Wednesday’s heatwave strikes.
READ MORE: UK drivers told to remove three items from car boot before Monday
1. Bottled water
It may seem practical to keep a bottle of water handy, but studies have shown plastic bottles left in hot cars can actually leach harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates into the water, especially as the temperature rises. For your health, take your water bottle with you when leaving your vehicle for long periods, or switch to a BPA-free, glass or metal bottle.
2. Smartphones & tablets
Electronic devices are especially vulnerable to heat. Batteries may degrade, screens might warp, and in extreme cases, devices can even catch fire. According to experts over at Simply Mac, the heat stress on your phone’s internals can lead to ‘malfunction’ and can shorten its overall lifespan. If you have ever seen a warning on your phone about overheating, you’ll know how quickly it can happen, so never leave them in your motor during a heatwave.
3. Vapes & e-cigarettes
Vapes and e-cigarettes contain batteries that are sensitive to high temperatures. Excessive heat can cause these batteries to leak, swell, and even explode, potentially causing injury, damaging your car and invalidating your insurance. Some policies can even contain clauses that exclude coverage for fires caused by vaping devices. Vape experts have also warned that hot car temperatures can damage the taste, texture and strength of your e-liquid – so it’s good practice to take all of your vaping supplies with you when you get out of your vehicle.
4. Sunscreen
Ironically, the very product designed to protect you from the sun can become useless and messy when left to scramble in a hot car. Intense heat has the power to break down the active ingredients in sunscreen, making it less effective, and bottles may even burst, leaving a sticky residue, reports The Sunday Times. To keep your suncream from spoiling, it’s worth keeping it out of direct sunlight and removing it from the car.
5. Aerosol canisters and lighters
Deodorants, hairsprays and other aerosol canisters are pressurised and can explode if exposed to temperatures above 48°C. This not only creates a mess, but can also cause injury and damage your car’s interior. It’s a similar story for disposable lighters, which can explode in hot vehicles – and have even been known to crack windscreens after going off in the heat.
6. Wine
Wine lovers beware — leaving a bottle in a hot car can completely ruin its taste (nobody wants a warm glass of Malbec, let’s face it). But even more worryingly, excessive heat can cause the formation of potentially harmful chemicals including ethyl carbamate, which can be carcinogenic in high doses. So always take your vino with you, especially during the warmer weather.
7. Sunglasses
Don’t wreck your favourite pair of sunnies by leaving them on the dashboard. Sunglasses – even expensive, well-made ones – can warp and discolour when left in direct sunlight inside a car. Even the lenses can get distorted with intense temperatures, so make sure you store them in a case in the glove box so they dodge the heat, or take them with you to avoid costly replacements.
8. Medication
Some medications can actually lose their effectiveness if stored above 25°C for long periods of time. Others, including antibiotics and adrenaline shots (like EpiPens), can become completely ineffective or even dangerous if exposed to high temperatures. It is therefore imperative that you always check the storage instructions when you need to take your medication along for the ride with you.
9. Lipstick
Many make-up items, especially lipstick, are prone to melting in the heat, which not only ruins the product — it can also make a mess of your car’s upholstery. To avoid a gruelling clean-up (and wasting your money) it’s worth applying your makeup before a long drive and taking all of your cosmetics with you when you leave your car behind.
10. Sugary drinks
Cans and bottles of fizzy pop can explode in hot cars, which is just as messy as it sounds. Even juice cartons can burst when exposed to prolonged heat. It’s therefore wise to remove all drinks from your vehicle during a heatwave.
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