Can Perfume in the Car Explode?

[StEmilio]

If the quality of the car perfume you purchase is good, the likelihood of explosion is very small. However, if it is a low-quality perfume, the chance of explosion increases, especially in summer. This is because inferior perfumes contain higher levels of alcohol, which evaporates when heated. The evaporated gas remains inside the perfume bottle, and if too much gas accumulates, it can lead to an explosion. Here are some items you should avoid leaving in your car during summer: Lighters: Small and easy to forget, yet highly dangerous, as they contain liquid butane, which can explode when internal pressure increases due to exposure to heat. Bottled water: If left in a car exposed to sunlight for a certain period, it can release harmful substances. Continued consumption may not only fail to quench thirst but also affect health, causing discomfort. Glasses: Especially reading glasses, as their convex lenses can focus sunlight, potentially causing a fire in the vehicle. Perfume (in glass bottles): The volatile components of perfume can produce flammable gases, with a critical packaging temperature of 49 degrees. Tests show that in an uncovered car at noon in summer, the temperature can reach 65 degrees in just 15 minutes of sunlight exposure, increasing the risk of explosion.

[MaliaLee]

I've been driving for over 30 years, and honestly, having perfume in the car can indeed explode. This stuff contains alcohol and is highly flammable. In summer, when parked under the sun, the car's interior temperature can soar above 60 degrees Celsius, causing the perfume bottle to expand from the heat. If the cap is loose or the bottle has small cracks, alcohol can leak out, forming flammable vapors. Just a tiny spark can ignite an explosion. My neighbor's car had this happen once, and the entire interior was burned. It's best not to place perfume on the dashboard in summer; instead, use dedicated car air freshener sticks or solid fragrance balms, which are much safer. When parking, remember to use sunshades and ventilate to cool down the car. Make it a habit to regularly check the bottle's seal—don't risk it just for a bit of fragrance.

[Emanuel]

I've always been very concerned about car safety. The risk of perfume exploding in a car is not an exaggeration. Perfume contains a high alcohol content, making it flammable. When exposed to high temperatures, the pressure inside the bottle can increase, potentially causing it to rupture. If the bottle leaks and forms a mixture of gases, it could ignite if exposed to a short circuit or a cigarette lighter in the car. This isn't just speculation—similar incidents have been reported in the news. I recommend opting for non-flammable solid fragrances when choosing car scents. Place them in shaded, cool spots like the glove compartment, avoid storing them near other heat sources or clutter, and regularly clean and ventilate the car interior. Safety is no small matter—paying attention to details can prevent major issues.

[DeDaniella]

As an ordinary car owner, I'm also concerned about the risk of perfume explosions in the car. Perfumes typically contain alcohol, and under direct summer sunlight, those little bottles can get extremely hot. If the cap pops off or the bottle cracks due to slight negligence, encountering a cigarette butt or static electricity could spell disaster. Once I forgot to tighten the cap, and perfume spilled everywhere—fortunately, nothing serious happened. So now I only use safe car air fresheners placed in shady spots under the windshield. When parking, I look for shade or a garage, and I avoid buying pretty glass bottles. Just a simple reminder—a little extra care can prevent accidents.

[Tammy]

I think keeping perfume in the car really has the potential to explode because the alcohol content in perfume is volatile and flammable. At high temperatures, the gas inside the bottle expands rapidly, which may cause leakage or even the bottle to burst, and it would be disastrous if it encounters a fire source. I personally experienced a minor accident where a perfume bottle cracked and soaked the wiring. My usual habits: choose plastic bottle perfumes to reduce the risk of breakage; avoid placing them on the dashboard under direct sunlight; open the windows for ventilation for a few minutes before driving; consider switching to fragrance sachets or air purifiers for greater safety. Don’t overlook small details—safety is the top priority.