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 direct sunlight, the temperature inside a sealed car can reach 50-60 degrees Celsius. In an unventilated environment, encountering an open flame or other flammable sources, such as lighting a cigarette, 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.
Having driven for over 20 years, I know full well that 75% alcohol should never be left in a car, especially on hot days. The temperature inside a vehicle can easily exceed 70°C under direct sunlight, and high-concentration alcohol has a very low flash point. When evaporated, it forms a flammable vapor cloud—just one ignition source like a lighter or electrical spark could trigger a fire or explosion. This isn’t just common sense; it may also violate traffic regulations, as many places explicitly prohibit storing flammable liquids in vehicles. I’ve seen news reports where car owners forgot to remove alcohol bottles, resulting in severe fire damage. For safety, if you need to disinfect, carry a small bottle of alcohol and remove it immediately after use—don’t cut corners by leaving it behind. Even better, switch to sealed alcohol wipes, which are safer and more efficient. When parking, try to choose shaded spots or garages to minimize heat buildup, and make it a habit to check for hazards inside the car. These small details can save lives—don’t risk your safety for convenience.
As an ordinary car owner, I have to say something about this. Last summer, I left a bottle of 75% disinfectant alcohol in my car for a few days. Fortunately, nothing happened, but I really regretted it after learning about the risks. Alcohol easily evaporates into gas under high temperatures, and in the sealed environment of a car, it can quickly accumulate to dangerous concentrations. If there's static electricity or sparks from switching, an instant explosion is no joke. My advice is to carry alcohol only when necessary, like taking it away after disinfecting your hands, and avoid long-term storage. If you really need to store some, choose a cool time to place it in the trunk, ensuring the bottle is tightly sealed to prevent leaks. I also think switching to disinfectant sprays or dry wipes is more worry-free—safe and effective. When parking, try to avoid direct sunlight to lower the temperature and reduce heat impact. In short, safe driving isn’t just about being careful on the road; it includes paying attention to storage details inside the car. We car owners need to be more vigilant.
