Is it dangerous to leave a lighter in the car during summer?
2 Answers
In summer, it is highly recommended not to leave lighters in the car as it poses significant safety hazards. Lighters are flammable and explosive items, and the liquid butane inside can easily increase in pressure under high temperatures, leading to potential explosions. If a lighter explodes and the owner is not nearby, it can easily ignite a fire, resulting in the car catching fire or self-combusting. Summer car care tips: 1. Avoid washing the car in high temperatures: It is best not to wash the car under direct sunlight or high temperatures, as this may cause the cleaning agents to dry quickly and leave marks on the car's paint. Additionally, if water droplets on the paint are not wiped off promptly, they can form tiny lenses that focus sunlight, leading to localized overheating and minor paint damage. 2. Do not leave flammable items in the car: After being exposed to the sun, the temperature inside the car can become much higher than the outside temperature. It is advised not to leave batteries, lighters, perfumes, or other flammable and explosive items in the car for extended periods to avoid the risk of explosion due to excessive heat. When parking outdoors, try to park in shaded areas. 3. Do not turn on the air conditioning immediately after entering the car: In summer, the outdoor temperature is very high, and entering the car can feel like stepping into a sauna. Many car owners tend to turn on the air conditioning immediately after starting the engine. While this may feel comfortable, it is not the correct approach. Turning on the air conditioning right away not only results in poor cooling efficiency but also increases the engine's workload.
The temperature inside the car in summer can be terrifyingly high. With years of driving experience, I once left a lighter on the car seat, and it nearly exploded when the temperature soared to over 60°C at noon. The butane gas inside the lighter expands rapidly when heated, and the increased pressure can cause the casing to crack or even explode. This not only risks scratching the glass or interior but, more dangerously, the leaking gas can ignite and burn the entire car. I've heard of many similar incidents, including cases where items left on the dashboard exploded and caused damage. It's strongly advised not to leave lighters in the car during summer, or at least keep them in a shaded spot. Perfumes, spray bottles, and lithium batteries also pose similar risks, becoming hazards when temperatures rise. Make it a habit to check the car interior when parking and remove all suspicious items—safety first.
