Hot Car Safety: Critical Items You Should Never Leave Behind

Hey, did you know there are some things you really shouldn't leave in your car? Like, seriously, some of them can cause explosions! If you're a car owner or driver, you've got to hear this. Sure, we all know about not leaving pets or kids in there, but there's a whole bunch of other stuff you might not think about. Like summer-specific items, everyday gadgets, even certain foods and drinks, and health-related stuff. It's crazy!

Listen up! Let's just say, it's a real eye-opener. So, buckle up and brace yourself for some surprising stuff.

1. Lighters: Lighters contain flammable materials and pressurized gas. When exposed to high temperatures, especially in direct sunlight, the pressure inside the lighter can increase, causing it to explode. The flammable materials inside can ignite, leading to a potential fire hazard.

2. Power Bank: Power banks often contain lithium-ion batteries, which are susceptible to heat. When exposed to high temperatures, such as those in a car on a hot day, the batteries can become unstable and may catch fire or explode. This risk is particularly heightened if the power bank is left in direct sunlight, which can further increase the temperature inside the device.

3. Perfume and Mineral Water: Both perfume and mineral water can contain alcohol, which is flammable. When left in direct sunlight, the heat can cause the liquid to evaporate rapidly, creating a highly flammable atmosphere. If exposed to an ignition source, such as a spark, this vapor can ignite, leading to a fire.

4. Snacks: Snacks, especially those containing oils or fats, can spoil when exposed to high temperatures. The heat can cause the fat to oxidize, leading to rancidity and a change in taste and texture. Additionally, heat can accelerate microbial growth, increasing the risk of foodborne illness.

5. Sunglasses: Glasses, particularly those with plastic frames or prescription lenses, can be damaged by heat. Plastic frames may melt or warp, while lenses can act as magnifying glasses, focusing sunlight onto nearby surfaces and potentially causing fires. Additionally, metal frames can become hot enough to cause burns if worn after being exposed to high temperatures.

6. Sun Cream: The active ingredients in sun cream can degrade when exposed to high temperatures, reducing their effectiveness in protecting the skin from UV radiation. This degradation can occur more rapidly when the product is left in a hot car for prolonged periods, leading to potentially inadequate sun protection. According to FDA sunscreen can catch fire.

7. Damp Beach Items: Damp beach items, such as swimsuits and towels, provide a moist environment ideal for the growth of bacteria and yeast. When left in a hot car, the temperature and humidity can further promote microbial growth, increasing the risk of infections or unpleasant odors.

8. Electronics: Electronic devices, including smartphones, laptops, and tablets, can suffer damage when exposed to high temperatures. Heat can affect the performance and lifespan of batteries, cause components to expand or contract, and even lead to thermal shutdowns or malfunctions. To prevent damage, it's advisable to avoid leaving electronics in hot cars whenever possible.

9. Handbags/Wallets: Handbags and wallets left in cars are vulnerable to theft, as they often contain valuable items such as credit cards, cash, and smartphones. Additionally, the warm and confined environment of a car can promote the growth of bacteria on items frequently touched by hands, potentially leading to hygiene issues or skin infections.

10. Aerosols (Pressurized Canisters): Pressurized aerosol cans, such as deodorants and hair sprays, pose a risk of explosion when exposed to high temperatures. The heat can cause the pressure inside the canister to build up, leading to rupture or explosions. To mitigate this risk, it's important to store aerosols in a cool and well-ventilated environment.

11. Batteries: Batteries, both disposable and rechargeable, can leak or explode when exposed to high temperatures. Heat accelerates chemical reactions within the battery, leading to the release of corrosive electrolytes or gases. This not only poses a safety hazard, but can also cause damage to the interior of the vehicle.

12. Plants: Plants left in hot cars are susceptible to heat stress and dehydration, which can quickly lead to wilting or even death. To prevent damage, it's important to keep plants shaded and hydrated during transport and avoid leaving them in the car for extended periods, especially on hot days.

13. Make-up: Certain make-up products, such as lipsticks and lotions, can melt or degrade when exposed to high temperatures. This can alter their texture, consistency, and effectiveness. To maintain the integrity of make-up products, it's advisable to store them in a cool and dry environment, away from direct sunlight.

14. Candles: Candles, especially those in glass containers, can melt or shatter when exposed to high temperatures. The heat can soften the wax, causing it to deform or flow out of the container. In extreme cases, the glass container may fracture or explode due to thermal stress.

15. Food: Perishable foods, such as meats, dairy products, and fresh produce, can spoil rapidly when exposed to high temperatures. Bacteria responsible for foodborne illnesses multiply rapidly in warm environments, increasing the risk of contamination and food poisoning. To ensure food safety, it's important to store perishable items properly and avoid leaving them in hot cars for extended periods.

16. Drinks: Beverages, including alcoholic drinks and carbonated sodas, can be affected by heat when left in a hot car. Heat can cause alcohol to evaporate, affecting the potency of alcoholic beverages, and may cause cans to explode due to pressure buildup from carbonation. Additionally, prolonged exposure to heat can alter the flavor and quality of beverages.

17. Plastic Bottles: Plastic bottles containing beverages or other liquids can degrade when exposed to high temperatures, releasing harmful chemicals such as BPA and phthalates. These chemicals can leach into the liquid, posing health risks when consumed. To minimize exposure, it's advisable to avoid drinking from plastic bottles that have been left in hot cars.

18. Hand Sanitizer: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can pose a fire risk when exposed to high temperatures. Alcohol evaporates quickly, and in a confined space such as a hot car, vapor concentrations can reach flammable levels. To prevent accidents, it's important to store hand sanitizer in a cool and well-ventilated area.

19. Medication: Many medications are sensitive to heat and humidity, which can degrade their effectiveness or stability. Exposing medications to high temperatures can accelerate chemical reactions, leading to reduced potency or altered properties. To ensure the efficacy of medications, it's important to store them according to the manufacturer's recommendations and avoid leaving them in hot cars.

20. Children: Leaving children unattended in hot cars poses serious risks of heat-related illnesses, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Children's bodies heat up faster than adults', and they are less able to regulate their body temperature effectively. Even a few minutes in a hot car can lead to life-threatening conditions, making it essential to never leave children alone in vehicles.

21. Art Supplies: Crayons and other art supplies can melt or become damaged when exposed to high temperatures in a hot car. Melting crayons can create a mess that is difficult to clean, especially if they come into contact with upholstery or other surfaces. To prevent damage, it's advisable to store art supplies in a cool and dry place when not in use.

22. Pets: Pets left in hot cars are at risk of heatstroke, dehydration, and suffocation. Dogs, in particular, are vulnerable to overheating due to their inability to sweat effectively. Even with the windows cracked open, the temperature inside a car can quickly reach dangerous levels on hot days. To ensure the safety and well-being of pets, they should never be left unattended in vehicles.

23. Pet Food: Like human Pet food can spoil when exposed to high temperatures, leading to decreased palatability and potential health risks for pets. Mold growth, bacterial contamination, and nutrient degradation can occur when pet food is stored in hot environments. To maintain the quality and safety of pet food, it's important to store it in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.

Remember, it's not just about convenience; it's about safety and preserving the quality of your belongings. So, there you have it, folks. Keep your car clear of these items, and you'll avoid a world of trouble. Stay safe out there!

Photo by Uriel Mont