Many drivers have a habit of leaving items in their cars without realizing that some items can pose potential dangers.
In today's fast-paced life, cars are not just a means of transportation but have become a "second home" for many people, housing all the items needed for work and daily life.
However, in the hot summer weather conditions like in our country, leaving certain items in a car can lead to unforeseen consequences. The temperature inside a car parked in the summer sun can rise to over 80°C, enough to cause many items to catch fire or explode.
Therefore, car owners need to be especially cautious with seemingly harmless items that actually pose a significant risk to safety and property.
Below is a list of 8 items that experts advise drivers to absolutely avoid keeping in their cars.
Gas lighter
Gas lighters – small, seemingly harmless items – can become "mini-bombs" when left unattended in a car. Under intense heat, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to over 80°C, causing the gas in the lighter to expand rapidly and explode unexpectedly.
Many car fires have been recorded simply because people forget to leave lighters on the dashboard or in the glove compartment. Therefore, experts advise smokers to carry lighters with them after each trip, instead of leaving them in the car, even for a short time.
Power bank
Portable power banks are indispensable in the digital age, helping users stay connected anytime, anywhere. However, this convenient device can become a potential hazard if left unattended in a car in the sun.
The lithium-ion batteries inside power banks are very sensitive to high temperatures; when overheated, they can swell, leak, or even explode. The temperature inside a parked car is very high, enough to damage the battery, reduce its lifespan, and cause fires or explosions, especially with low-quality or impact-resistant power banks.
Experts advise that users should always keep power banks out of their vehicles and avoid exposing them to direct sunlight to ensure safety.
Perfume bottle
Perfume bottles – an item many people keep in their cars – actually pose a number of risks. Most perfumes contain alcohol, a volatile substance, and when exposed to high temperatures, the pressure inside the bottle can increase rapidly, leading to the risk of cracking or even exploding.
In hot summer weather, the temperature inside a car parked in the sun can rise very high, enough to turn a perfume bottle into a "miniature bomb," damaging the interior and compromising safety. Instead of leaving it in the car, users should carry smaller bottles in their bags or store them in a cooler, safer place.
Water bottle
Water bottles are a common item in cars, but they can sometimes pose a risk if left unattended in the car in hot sunlight. When sunlight shines through a transparent plastic bottle, it can act like a lens, focusing the light to a single point and increasing the risk of fire.
In addition, high temperatures inside the vehicle can cause compounds from the plastic to leach into the water, affecting the health of users.
To minimize risk, it's best to carry your water bottle with you when you leave your vehicle or store it in a cool, shaded place, away from direct sunlight.
Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses are an essential item for many people, but when left in a car, they pose unexpected risks. The lenses can act as converging lenses, focusing sunlight onto a small point and increasing the risk of fire.
This risk is especially high if the glasses are placed on the dashboard, where they are directly exposed to sunlight and temperatures can rise very high. Not only that, extreme temperatures can also deform the frames and damage the protective coating on the lenses.
Aerosol spray
Aerosol sprays, such as deodorizers or air fresheners, may seem harmless, but they pose a significant risk if left unattended in a car in hot weather. As temperatures rise, the pressure inside the can also increases, potentially leading to an explosion, damaging the car's interior and endangering those nearby.
For safety reasons, you should avoid leaving aerosol cans in your car, especially on hot days. If you need to carry them, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, or take them with you when you leave the car.
Canned drinks
Canned drinks can also become a "potential hazard" if left in a car in hot weather. High temperatures cause the liquid inside to expand, increasing the pressure inside the can and potentially leading to cracking or the cap popping off. The consequences are not only spills and messes, but also potential damage to the car's interior or electronic equipment.
Therefore, you should take your drinks with you when you leave the car or store them in a cool place, away from high temperatures, to ensure safety.
Medicines
Medications left in a car can quickly lose their effectiveness and safety. Most medications are sensitive to high temperatures, so when a car is parked in the hot sun, the temperature inside can far exceed the recommended temperature, causing the active ingredients to change or lose their effectiveness.
To ensure that medication remains effective and safe to use, you should carry it with you or store it in a temperature-controlled environment, avoiding leaving it in your vehicle for extended periods.