Can 75% Alcohol Be Kept in a Car?
3 Answers
75% alcohol can be kept in a car, but it is not recommended. Alcohol is a flammable and explosive substance. When exposed to sunlight, the temperature inside a sealed car can reach 50-60 degrees Celsius. In poorly ventilated conditions, if exposed to an open flame or other ignition sources, such as a lit cigarette, it can cause an explosion. If stored in a glass bottle, sunlight can create a magnifying glass effect, focusing light and igniting the alcohol, which can easily lead to an explosion. Perfumes containing alcohol should also not be used in cars. Many car owners place car perfumes to freshen the air inside the vehicle, but most perfumes contain alcohol. Low-quality perfumes are prone to explosion under high temperatures, posing extreme danger.
I personally think keeping 75% alcohol in the car is too risky. The concentration is too high, and alcohol is flammable and explosive. In summer, the temperature inside the car can easily soar above 60°C. If the bottle cap isn't tightly sealed, the vapor can escape, and a single spark could trigger an explosion. I've seen accidents caused by small items catching fire, like leaking lighters or perfume bottles. If it leaks or bursts due to high temperatures in the car, not only could the vehicle catch fire, but people could also get injured. Safety first—it's best not to keep any high-concentration alcohol in the car. If you must carry it, use a small sealed container stored temporarily in the glove compartment, or opt for hand sanitizer gel as a safer alternative. Also, always keep a fire extinguisher in the car, just in case.
To be honest, I've also kept 75% alcohol spray in my car mainly for convenient disinfection. But one time during a hot day trip, the trunk felt like a steamer. When I took out the bottle, I found it had become hot and deformed, which gave me a scare—I was worried it might crack and catch fire. Later, I switched to alcohol-based wipes or small-packaged gel sanitizers. These don't evaporate as much and pose less risk. For short drives, keeping them in the glove compartment is fine, but don't store them in the car long-term. Especially in hot regions like southern cities where cars bake in the sun all day, alcohol bottles can become ticking time bombs. When storing, avoid exposing the bottles to direct sunlight—tucking them away in a drawer is much safer.
