Does storing alcohol in the car trunk in summer have any impact?
3 Answers
Storing alcohol in the car trunk during summer does have an impact. Under direct sunlight, the temperature inside a car's trunk can reach up to 60°C in summer, while alcoholic beverages generally require lower storage temperatures. For instance, wine should be stored at around 5-20°C, distilled spirits below 35°C, and beer is best kept at 5-25°C. Prolonged storage of alcohol in the trunk can lead to chemical reactions, resulting in spoilage, which significantly affects both taste and quality. Relevant information about car trunk mats is as follows: 1. Introduction: A car trunk mat, also known as a car boot mat, is a mat placed at the bottom of the car trunk. The car trunk is a space for storing items, and its importance should not be overlooked. 2. Function: Car trunk mats are environmentally friendly automotive interior components that combine five main functions: water absorption, dust absorption, stain removal, sound insulation, and protection of the trunk carpet.
Don’t leave alcohol in your trunk during summer—trust me, wine can turn into hot soup in just half an hour. Last year, I casually tossed two craft beers in the trunk while grocery shopping, only to find the cans swollen like balloons by the afternoon. When I opened one, foam sprayed all over the car. High heat not only makes beer taste sour and bitter but can also ruin wine entirely. Glass bottles may explode due to temperature differences, while plastic ones can release chemicals that contaminate the alcohol. If you must keep it in the car, wrap it tightly in reflective aluminum foil, add an ice pack, and remove it within two hours. By the way, high-proof liquor is less delicate, but direct sunlight will still speed up evaporation, which is a shame if the alcohol content drops.
The lab just tested the effects of extreme temperatures on alcohol: at 40°C ambient, car interior temperatures can soar to 70°C. At this temperature, hop acids in beer decompose rapidly, producing off-flavors reminiscent of wet cardboard, while tannin polymers in wine precipitate, resulting in a harsh, astringent mouthfeel. More dangerously, internal bottle pressure changes—canned beer reaches 7 kg of internal pressure at 65°C, far exceeding safe limits. It's recommended to carry insulated bags and ice packs for emergencies or purchase specialized thermal storage boxes for alcohol. If a premium Bordeaux gets subjected to this treatment, it essentially loses its collectible value.
