With the UK basking in its third major heatwave of the summer, many of us are slathering on the SPF, firing up the BBQ, and soaking up the sunshine. But this unusually hot spell does bring some hidden dangers, especially when it comes to your car.
Anyone who's sat in bumper-to-bumper traffic on the M6 in July will know how sweaty it can get in a parked car, and motor experts are warning drivers to take extra care with what they leave inside their vehicles during extreme heat.
Some everyday items can become hazardous, leading to everything from explosions to toxic chemical leaks. To stay safe this summer, here are six things you should never leave in your car during a heatwave.
Vapes
Battery-powered vapes and e-cigarettes can quickly become dangerous when overheated. High temperatures may cause the battery to swell, leak toxic chemicals, or even explode.
If you accidentally leave your vape in a hot car, let it cool in a shaded, well-ventilated area for several hours before use. Never place it in water to cool it down—as this can cause even more damage.
Medications
Medication should never be stored in a car really, but especially not during a heatwave. Extreme heat can cause many medicines to break down or lose their effectiveness entirely. Most medication needs to be kept at room temperature — something our cars certainly are not right now!
Fizzy drinks
Staying hydrated is vital in hot weather, so it’s always a good idea to have a water bottle by your side, but leave the fizzy drinks at home. The heat causes the carbon dioxide in carbonated drinks to expand, which can lead to explosions—or, more likely, a sticky soda fountain when you open the can. Leaving you both thirsty, and incredibly messy.
Suncream
It might sound ironic, but suncream doesn’t fare well in direct heat either. High temperatures can cause the formula to separate, reducing its effectiveness and causing leaks. For the best protection, store suncream somewhere cool and reapply it frequently.
Aerosols
From deodorants to hairsprays, aerosol cans are a no-go in hot cars. Experts advise storing all aerosols in well-ventilated spaces between 10°C and 25°C —far cooler than the interior of a car during summer.
The pressurised contents can expand and even explode in extreme heat, posing a serious fire risk. So, make sure you always take them with you when you leave the car. You'll probably be glad of one in your bag given the sweaty heat!
Sunglasses
While it’s important to have sunglasses handy for safe driving, don’t leave them behind in a hot car. Prolonged heat exposure can warp frames and damage lenses, making them uncomfortable or even impossible to wear.
Instead, store them in a protective case and consider using a chain to keep them close when you’re on the go.
How to cool your car down, fast
You can also take simple steps to help keep your car cooler—and safer—during hot spells. ‘Regular maintenance and servicing are always important, but during a heatwave, it’s especially vital to take extra care,’ says Tom Banks, car insurance expert at Go.Compare. ‘Hot weather can lead to a range of car troubles, many of which are preventable.’ So make sure you get that service.
Whether you're aiming to prevent breakdowns, protect your belongings, or simply sweat a little less, here are some handy tricks to cool your car down quickly.
Create a cross-breeze
Open the passenger-side window fully, then quickly open and close the driver-side door several times (like a fan). This pushes hot air out and draws cooler air in. You might get a few odd looks in the car park—but it works!
Use your air conditioning wisely
Start driving with the windows slightly open and your A/C set to low fan, max cooling, to allow the outside air intake to flush out heat. After a few minutes, switch to recirculation mode for faster, more efficient cooling.
Cover your seats and steering wheel
We’ve all been burned by a hot leather seat, literally, so look out for future you and be prepared. Use light-coloured towels or seat covers on seats and steering wheels when parked. This keeps them cooler to the touch, reducing the heat shock when you get in.
Park strategically
While we all know the politics of car parks can be fierce, it pays to pick your spot wisely. Seek out shady areas or park with the rear of the car facing the sun to limit dashboard heat. Sunshades for windscreens and rear windows can also make a big difference.
Try a DIY cooling hack
This one is a favourite heatwave hack from the GH team. For an extra cooling boost, place a damp cloth or ice pack in front of your A/C vents. It’s a trick many of us use with desk fans at home, and it works just as well in the car.
