Is It Dangerous to Put Coke in the Car Trunk?

[DerekRose]

Coke placed in the car trunk can be dangerous. Coke is a mixture of carbon dioxide, and after vigorous shaking, the gas can accumulate and cause an explosion. Additionally, if the temperature reaches a certain level, it can also lead to an explosion. Items that can be placed in the car trunk: Under normal circumstances, the trunk usually contains the car's spare tire, a first aid kit, a toolkit, a warning triangle, a fire extinguisher, a car refrigerator, and the emergency fuel tank release cable. Some SUV and MPV models are also equipped with an emergency flashlight. Items that should not be placed in the car trunk: Flammable, explosive, and valuable items should not be placed in the car trunk. Storing lighters, hairspray, or other flammable and explosive items in the trunk during summer heat or long-distance travel can easily lead to explosions. Keeping valuables in the trunk is also very unsafe.

[StRhett]

I've been driving for over a decade, and what scares me most in summer is loading cola into the trunk. The high temperatures are terrifying. Once when I parked outdoors for a few hours in summer, the trunk temperature soared to over 60°C, causing several cans of cola to explode. The sticky drink sprayed everywhere and even soaked some documents I had stored. Why does this happen? The carbonated gas in cola expands when heated, and the cans or bottles can't withstand the pressure, leading to explosions. At best, it dirties the interior; at worst, flying fragments can cause injuries. Cleaning up is extremely troublesome and requires professional cleaners. I recommend parking in the shade whenever possible. If that's not feasible, use insulated bags to wrap the cola, don't leave it for too long, and avoid stacking too many bottles or cans. Regularly check the trunk temperature—it's best to carry a thermometer in summer to avoid a lot of hassle.

[OAngelo]

I always pay close attention to in-car safety, and storing cola in the trunk is no small matter. In high-temperature environments, when the car is parked and stationary, the temperature rises rapidly, often exceeding 50 degrees Celsius in summer, which can cause cola cans to expand and burst. I've seen cases where leaked liquid not only ruined spare tires or tools but also potentially corroded car wiring. Additionally, if an opened cola bottle is stored unfinished, bacteria can easily multiply, and drinking it might cause stomach issues. It's advisable to only store unopened bottles and not keep them for more than a day. Before parking, slightly open the windows for ventilation or place the cola in the cooler shade of the back seat for safety. Remember, if you notice any strange odors or deformed bottles, dispose of them immediately to avoid harm to people or the car.

[McHaley]

As a parent, I'm always concerned about kids leaving things in the trunk. Cola can not only explode in high temperatures, staining the trunk mat, but may also leave chemical residue with unpleasant odors that are hard to remove. Worse yet, if kids drink spoiled cola, their health could be at risk. I recommend avoiding storing it there, especially in summer. Parking in underground garages or shaded areas can reduce risks. If absolutely necessary, use sealed bags and don't leave it for more than a few hours. During regular car maintenance, check if the trunk ventilation holes are blocked to prevent accidents. Safety first—don't risk big losses for small gains.