Common items that can turn dangerous in a hot car

Many common objects can explode or deteriorate if left in the car under the scorching sun: let's see how to avoid these risks

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Along with the rise in temperatures, we have to be increasingly cautious about what we leave in the car. The very ordinary items could turn perilous on account of high temperatures. Sometimes they may even explode in extreme cases and can lead to fatal accidents.

Lighters: an underestimated danger

One of the most dangerous things that can be left in a car under the sun is a lighter. Commonly made of plastic, these small devices contain gas under pressure. Heat can cause the sudden expansion of the gas, thereby causing an explosion. A lighter left in a hot car can quickly become a serious danger, especially on scorching days when interior car temperatures exceed 104°F (40°C).

Power banks can be an unexpected risk

With the rise in the usage of more electronic gadgets, most of us forget our power banks inside our cars. The lithium-ion batteries, as applied to these gadget devices, have very high heat sensitivity. Whenever a car heats up from the inside, there is a great chance of overheating the power bank, which may result in either fire hazards or permanent damage to the device. It is always best to store these items in cool, well-ventilated areas.

Even something as innocuous as water bottles

It is not just electronic devices that pose a danger in this regard. Something as unexpected as a plastic water bottle can become an object of worry if it is left out in direct sunlight. The chemicals can seep into the water and contaminate it due to heat; one of the most dangerous ones is bisphenol A or BPA.

Even more hazardous are perfume bottles. These contain highly flammable alcohol, and in direct sunlight, the heat trapped inside a car may be enough to make the bottle explode and potentially start a fire.

Food and snacks: a health risk

Just keep in mind that if you leave snacks or food inside your car, well, it is summer heat acceleration of the spoilage process. Snacks can go inedible quite fast, and in some cases, the growth of dangerous bacteria starts to take place, resulting in severe health issues. Food is not taken as a high risk in starting any fire; nevertheless, for preventing health issues, it also must not be left inside a running hot car.

As these risks are not desirable, it is better to never leave them in the car during summer, especially in a case where one’s car is normally parked directly in the sun. Keeping them out of the cabin or storing them in cool places will prevent damage and guarantee greater safety.