Can Power Banks Be Left in Cars During Summer?
3 Answers
Power banks should not be left in the car for extended periods as it can be very dangerous. Power Bank: Refers to a device that can directly charge mobile devices and has its own energy storage unit. The main types of power banks available in the market today are multifunctional, most of which come with standard USB outputs. They can generally meet the charging needs of various digital products commonly found in the market, such as mobile phones, MP3 players, MP4 players, PDAs, PSPs, Bluetooth headsets, and digital cameras. Essentially, a power bank is a convenient and portable high-capacity power source. It is a portable device that integrates energy storage, voltage boosting, and charging management. The power bank's own charging plug can charge mobile devices directly via AC power and comes with its own power storage unit. It is a hybrid of a charger and a backup battery, simplifying the need for a separate charging plug compared to backup power sources, while also having its own power storage unit unlike chargers, providing a backup power source for digital products when there is no direct power supply or when outdoors. Correct Ways to Use a Power Bank: Most people in daily life seem accustomed to charging their smartphones and power banks when they run out of power, believing this maximizes battery protection. In fact, you should avoid charging the power bank when its battery is critically low, meaning you should prevent the power bank's battery from being overly depleted.
Leaving a power bank in the car during summer? I really don't recommend doing that. Lithium batteries are particularly unstable under high temperatures. Back when I worked at a repair shop helping with inspections, I've seen plenty of cases where power banks left in cars ended up swollen or deformed. At best, it damages the device; at worst, it can catch fire or explode. Just think how hot it gets inside a car in summer—without shade, temperatures near the dashboard can soar above 50°C, and it's even worse under direct sunlight. The chemicals inside lithium batteries can degrade, producing gas and increasing the risk of swelling. If you absolutely must leave it in the car, I suggest storing it in a shaded spot like the glove compartment or simply taking it with you when you leave. Safety first—don’t risk danger just for the sake of convenient charging. I always remind people to check items left in their cars to prevent fires; developing good habits can save you a lot of trouble.
Once in the summer, I left a power bank in my car and found it swollen like a balloon the next day. It scared me so much that I threw it away immediately. Since then, I never leave power banks in the car—it gets way too hot, especially when parked without sunshades. Having driven for over a decade, I know how quickly temperatures can soar. A power bank isn’t worth much, but safety comes first. As a side tip, if you must leave small items in the car during summer, try parking under shade or in an underground garage to keep things a bit cooler. But the best habit is to always take your power bank with you to avoid accidents. Just a little daily car wisdom—pay attention to the details.
