Vehicle owners should not leave certain items in their cars during the hot summer months. An expert from the National Auto Association emphasized that even everyday objects can become dangerous when exposed to high heat. A sudden sharp noise or impact can cause an aerosol, pepper spray, or gas lighter to ignite or explode, potentially frightening the driver and leading to a crash. Keeping these items out of the car reduces risk for everyone on board.
Inside a sealed car, temperatures can soar to extreme levels. On a hot day, the interior may reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Pepper spray and other aerosols are often carried for personal protection, but when heated above about 50 degrees, a cylinder can rupture. If such an event occurs on the road, a driver might lose control, increasing the chance of an accident. It is wise to store these items in a cool, secure location away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
The same caution extends to other aerosols and gas lighters. The pressure from heat can cause bottles to pop, ejecting fragments and creating multiple hazards. In some cases, a vehicle could even catch fire. Experts caution against leaving solvents inside a vehicle. For instance, acetone or other highly volatile liquids can swell and leak when heated, posing a serious poisoning risk to anyone inside the cabin.
Video recording devices are another item to consider. Prolonged sun exposure can degrade battery life and reduce effectiveness, leaving a driver with unreliable footage in critical moments. Even seemingly innocuous items like credit cards can be damaged by heat, potentially warping in a glove compartment and causing accessibility issues later on.
There is also concern about certain substances labeled as drugs that do not deteriorate quickly under the sun. Prolonged heat can alter chemical properties in ways that may harm the body, making it important to keep such items out of vehicles altogether and secured safely elsewhere.
Additionally, discussions around car performance sometimes surface in the context of engine tuning. It is noted that increasing engine power through certain chip modifications can reduce the overall lifespan of the engine. This warning is echoed in safety-focused reports and is important for drivers to consider when thinking about vehicle modifications and long-term reliability.
To protect passengers, vehicle owners are encouraged to follow practical steps: store hazardous or volatile items in cool, locked storage away from the vehicle, avoid leaving personal protection devices in heat-prone areas, and remove any potentially dangerous items from the car when parking for extended periods. Regularly checking the interior temperature and planning for heat management can help prevent incidents. The overarching message is simple: heat can transform everyday items into risks, and proactive planning keeps everyone safer behind the wheel.