Is It Dangerous to Put Coke in the Car Trunk?
3 Answers
It is dangerous to put Coke in the trunk. Coke is a mixture of carbon dioxide, and after vigorous shaking, the gas accumulates together, leading to an explosion. Alternatively, if the temperature reaches a certain level, it can also cause an explosion. Items that can be placed in the car trunk: Under normal circumstances, the trunk usually contains the car's spare tire, vehicle first aid kit, onboard tool kit, triangle warning sign, fire extinguisher, car refrigerator, emergency fuel tank cap release cable, etc. Some SUV and MPV models are also equipped with an emergency flashlight. Items that should not be placed in the car trunk: Flammable and explosive items, as well as valuables, should not be placed in the car trunk. Storing lighters, hairspray, or other flammable and explosive items in the trunk can be extremely dangerous, as summer heat and long-distance bumps can easily cause explosions. Keeping valuables in the trunk is also very unsafe.
Let me tell you from personal experience that keeping cola in the trunk can be really dangerous, especially on hot days. I remember last summer when I drove to the beach and had a few bottles of cola in the trunk. By the time I got back to the car around 2 or 3 PM, the temperature was nearly 40°C, and the cola bottles had actually cracked, leaving the trunk sticky with spilled liquid. The key issue is that trunk temperatures can easily rise above 50°C. Under such high heat, the gas inside the cola expands, creating too much pressure for the plastic bottles or cans to handle, causing them to burst. At best, it makes a mess; at worst, flying debris can cause injuries. Even worse, if there are flammable materials nearby, it could lead to a minor accident. Since then, I've changed my habits—now when I go out, I either keep drinks in the air-conditioned cabin or opt for other room-temperature snacks to avoid potential risks.
As an ordinary person who often takes family trips, I think keeping cola in the trunk is quite risky. During a family trip last year, I casually tossed a few cans of cola into the trunk, and due to bumps and high temperatures during the journey, one opened and sprayed sticky liquid all over the trunk, even splashing onto the back seats, making cleanup a real hassle. What worries me more is the safety of children: if broken pieces cause injuries or kids accidentally touch spoiled drinks, it could lead to skin allergies or accidental cuts. My advice is to avoid storing carbonated drinks in a hot trunk—you can use an insulated bag to keep them cool, or better yet, don’t bring them at all to avoid trouble. Keeping the car environment clean and ensuring family safety should be the top priority.
