Drivers have been urged to think about what is left in cars this week as everyday items could turn hazardous with the rising temperatures.
Motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk and LeaseElectricCar.co.uk have named six things that are unsafe for drivers to keep in the car when it’s hot.
While it is common knowledge that children and pets should never be left in the car because of the risks, the dangers of leaving other things, such as bottled water, are not as well known.
This week’s heatwave has brought widespread sunny weather, with this weekends highs set to beat 2023’s current high of 32.2C, seen back in June.
As the weather gets warmer, experts are urging drivers to think about what they leave in their cars while it is hot.
Studies have shown that even on a typically cooler summer day, internal temperatures of a car can reach over 50°C.
Not only can some items get damaged if left inside hot cars, but there are also concerns that leaving some things exposed to the sun could cause dangerous situations.
Medical pills and suncream are just some other items that should never be left in hot cars because of safety risks.
Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk said: “Many Brits are unaware of the dangers of leaving certain things in the car when the weather is hot.
“Most of us have been used to British summertime being a bit of a damp squib, but this week we have seen much higher temperatures, unusual for September.
“Drivers need to ensure that they are aware of hot-weather motoring risks as items such as mobile phones can be quickly damaged and their lifespan shortened when left inside hot cars.
“Plastic water bottles can become dangerous, so it’s best to buy a BPA-free bottle or a reusable one. Medication can also become less effective once left in the heat – so it’s essential to check the packaging on how to store.
“Throughout this weekend it’s best to clear out your car and remove any items which could be hazardous.”
These are the six things LeaseCar.uk say should never be left in hot cars:
- Water Bottles
Plastic water bottles left in the heat can cause chemicals to have a toxic reaction which could then be released into the water. It’s best to use a BPA-free bottle or find a reusable metal or glass bottle.
- Suncream
Although a summer essential, several ingredients in suncream are liable to break down when left in hot cars, meaning the protection will no longer protect skin from UVA rays effectively. Sometimes the packaging can explode too, leaving a mess all over the car interior.
- Sunglasses
Every driver this summer will be making sure they have a pair of sunglasses to hand. But leaving them out and not protected in a case will likely cause the glasses to scratch and break. The heat can also cause the plastic frames to discolour, the lens to distort and warping of the frames.
- Canned drinks
A nice cold can of pop on a warm summer’s day may sound like a nice idea – but motorists should avoid leaving fizzy drinks in the heat of a car. The carbonated cans often explode because of rising temperatures. This will quickly ruin the car interior, leaving it sticky and with a smell.
- Medication
Certain medications must be stored in the fridge (like insulin and antibiotics), and others cannot be kept in temperatures above 25°C – such as Calpol.
In the heat many drugs can turn bad and make them less effective, so it’s essential to check the packaging to store medication correctly.
- Mobile phones
Many of us would’ve seen the warning on our mobile phones which have been overheating after being left in the heat. Leaving phones in the car where internal temperatures can reach up to double the outside temperatures; is quickly damaging the battery of phones and could cause them to break.
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