7 Forbidden Objects Inside a Car During Hot Weather
16 June, 2023
Spending a significant amount of time inside a car during hot weather is common. However, it’s important to remember that extreme heat can pose a threat to certain objects within your vehicle or those left inside it. While some items may seem insignificant, they can potentially lead to fire hazards or even explosions.
To ensure your safety and comfort while driving under the scorching sun, there are several objects that should be avoided inside a car during hot weather. This article will discuss a list of forbidden items and provide tips on preventing them to keep you secure and comfortable inside your car during hot weather.
1. Plastic Bottles or Beverage Bottles
Plastic bottles or beverage bottles made of plastic can be hazardous inside a car during hot weather. Direct sunlight exposure on plastic bottles can cause an increase in temperature inside, thereby increasing the risk of explosion.
If plastic bottles are tightly sealed and exposed to excessive heat, the pressure inside can significantly increase, eventually leading to an explosion and the release of hazardous fluids. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid leaving plastic bottles or beverage bottles inside a car during hot weather.
2. Sunscreen in Tube Form
Not only can sunlight increase the temperature inside a car, but prolonged use of sunscreen inside a car exposed to heat can cause your skin to burn due to the high temperature. Furthermore, storing sunscreen and medications at high temperatures can alter their composition. Therefore, some doctors recommend storing medications and other chemicals at a stable room temperature.
3. Gas Aerosol or Spray Cans
Gas aerosol or spray cans, such as lighter fluid sprays, room fresheners, or car polish sprays, are hazardous items that should not be left inside a car during hot weather. When the temperature inside the car rises, the pressure inside the spray can can quickly increase.
If the pressure exceeds the limit that the can can withstand, the spray can may explode and cause a fire or even an explosion. To avoid this risk, store gas aerosols or spray cans in a cool and safe place.
4. Wet Clothes or Towels
Leaving wet clothes or towels inside a car during hot weather can cause the growth of bacteria and fungi. The moisture left on wet clothes or towels can create an ideal environment for microorganisms to multiply. In addition, wet clothes or towels left inside the car can also produce unpleasant odors.
5. Canned Beverages
Canned sodas or beverages are often left inside cars. However, it is important to know that unopened canned sodas have the potential to explode inside a car due to high temperatures. Carbonated drinks are packaged with trapped air inside them. When the aluminum can is exposed to heat, the temperature of the liquid inside it will increase due to the rising external temperature of the can, thus increasing the risk of the soda can exploding.
6. Lighters or Gas Lighters
Lighters, or gas lighters, are highly dangerous items that should not be left inside a car during hot weather. Extreme heat can cause gas lighters to explode, resulting in potential fires that can damage the car or even harm the users. To avoid the risk of fire or explosion, always make sure to take your lighter or gas lighter with you when leaving the car.
7. Perishable Food or Beverages
Leaving perishable food or beverages inside a car during hot weather can lead to bacterial growth and the spread of unpleasant odors. High temperatures can accelerate the spoilage of food and beverages, creating an unhygienic environment inside the car. Always make sure to clean and remove unused food or beverages from your car after they have been used.
Why Should These Items Not Be Left in the Car?
There are several reasons why these items should not be left in the car during hot weather:
1. Potential Fire and Explosion Hazards
Certain items, such as plastic bottles or beverage bottles, aerosol cans or sprays, and gas lighters, can be fire or explosion hazards. The high temperature inside the car can trigger dangerous chemical reactions in these items. If there is a leak or contact with a heat source, the risk of fire or explosion can increase.
2. Growth of Bacteria and Mold
Leaving wet clothes or towels in the car can create a humid environment. This humidity can be an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and mold. In addition to producing unpleasant odors, the growth of these microorganisms can also cause health problems.
3. Damage to Valuables
High temperatures can also damage valuable items, such as eyeglasses. The lenses of glasses can warp or break, and the frames can deform. This not only causes financial loss but also hinders vision while driving.
Tips to Prevent Dangerous Consequences
To prevent dangerous consequences resulting from leaving these items inside the car during hot weather, you can follow the following tips:
- Avoid leaving plastic bottles or beverage bottles inside the car. It is advisable to bring refillable water bottles and avoid using single-use bottles.
- Store aerosol cans or sprays in a cool and safe place, not inside the car exposed to high temperatures. This can reduce the risk of fire and explosions.
- It is recommended not to leave valuable items, especially electronics, inside the car cabin. Instead, take them with you when you exit the vehicle, such as laptops, cameras, smartphones, and other valuable items.
- Crack open a window slightly in a crisscross position when parking in basement areas. The heat in the basement often causes the temperature inside the car cabin to rise. It is better to open only the driver’s front window and the left rear door window with a width of about 5 cm.
- Use a front windshield protector or sun shield. It is made of foam coated with aluminum foil. This protector is claimed to protect and reflect sunlight and ultraviolet rays from entering the cabin.
By following these tips, you can prevent hazards and maintain safety inside the car during hot weather. Ensure safety and comfort by not leaving these items inside the car during hot weather. Always remember to regularly check and clean your car to keep it safe and comfortable while driving.
