Things not to leave in a car parked in hot sun

With temperatures forecast to soar during the hot summer months, some everyday items left in your car could pose serious risks.

hot weather car.jpg — Many items pose serious risks when left in cars parked in hot weather. Photo: lakeviewfcu

In areas where high temperatures are forecast, drivers are encouraged to remove certain items from their vehicles, as they can react dangerously in high temperatures.

While many drivers may have made plans to cope with hot weather, experts warn that failing to remove some common items from a car when parked in the hot sun can lead to damage, danger or even health risks.

The temperature inside a car can be much hotter than the air outside, especially when parked in direct sunlight.

1. Plastic water bottle

One of the most dangerous items is the plastic water bottle.

While it's important to stay hydrated in hot weather, leaving plastic water bottles in your car can be harmful.

Plastic when exposed to high temperatures can release toxic chemicals into water, making it unsafe to drink.

Even if the water bottle is left on a seat or dashboard, sunlight refracted through the bottle can focus its energy like a magnifying glass, causing a fire if it hits a combustible material.

2. Sunscreen

Another little-known danger is sunscreen.

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Although an indispensable item on sunny days, sunscreen packaging is not designed to withstand high temperatures for long periods of time.

Heat can cause the cream to expand, causing the lid to pop or the packaging to burst, leaking onto upholstery or other surfaces, causing stains that are difficult to remove.

Additionally, high temperatures can damage the ingredients in the cream, making it ineffective in protecting the skin from UV rays.

3. Medicine

Many over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can lose their effectiveness if exposed to excessive heat.

Even though the pill looks the same, the chemical structure inside may have broken down.

Medical experts recommend that drivers carefully read medication storage instructions and avoid leaving them in hot cars unless the packaging allows it.

4. Electronic devices with batteries

Devices such as phones, tablets, laptops, and power banks contain lithium-ion batteries that are very sensitive to high temperatures.

hot weather car 2.png — Battery-powered electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and even portable chargers should not be left in cars parked in hot weather. Photo: The Sun

If the temperature inside the car exceeds 40 degrees Celsius – which is entirely possible in a closed car in hot weather – the battery may malfunction, drain quickly, or even catch fire in rare cases.

Even without fire, frequent exposure to high temperatures can significantly shorten the life of the device.

Some other items to avoid leaving in your car when parked in hot sun:

- Aerosol: Very explosive when high temperature increases internal pressure.

- Cosmetics, especially lipstick and foundation: Can melt and run onto seats and furniture, leaving stubborn stains and unpleasant odors.

- Food: Not only does it spoil quickly, it also attracts insects and causes bad odors if left for a long time.

- Plastic toys, especially children's toys left on the dashboard or back seat: May deform, melt or release toxic gases if exposed to sunlight for too long.

- In extremely hot weather, drivers should check their vehicles carefully before leaving, especially if they are parked outdoors. A few minutes of cleaning can help avoid major health, safety and property risks.

(According to The Sun, Carscoops)

Source: https://baonghean.vn/nhung-do-dung-khong-de-trong-xe-hoi-khi-do-duoi-troi-nang-nong-10299995.html