Is It Safe to Keep a Flashlight in the Car?
3 Answers
Keeping a flashlight in the car is not safe, especially those powered by dry cell batteries. Hazards of batteries in the car: Under the intense summer sun, the temperature inside a car can quickly rise to over 50 degrees Celsius in a short time, even reaching up to 60 degrees Celsius. In the enclosed space of the car, the accumulated heat cannot dissipate. Storing AA dry cell batteries in such high-temperature conditions for extended periods can significantly reduce their lifespan and capacity, and may even cause internal deformation of the batteries, posing a risk of explosion. Precautions for driving in summer: When entering a car that has been exposed to the sun, avoid turning on the air conditioning immediately. Instead, first lower all the windows or open the doors, then turn the fan to maximum to accelerate air circulation. After three to four minutes, close the windows and turn on the air conditioning for better cooling efficiency.
I've forgotten my flashlight in the car many times, and honestly, temperature is a real concern. In summer, the dashboard can heat up to over 70°C, which can cause lithium batteries to swell, leak, or even explode. Last month, my neighbor's e-cigarette battery started smoking in his car, and he had to quickly douse it with water to put it out. It's best to store it in the cooler trunk and avoid using regular lithium battery products. I always keep an explosion-proof flashlight in my car with a metal casing—much more reliable. Also, regularly check the battery condition; if the casing is deformed, replace it immediately. While winter's low temperatures are less harmful, they can still affect battery life. It's best to choose an industrial-grade flashlight with temperature control protection—more expensive but worth the peace of mind.
As a car owner, I believe anti-theft factors should be considered. Once when I parked in front of a convenience store, the reflection from the flashlight on the front seat attracted thieves who smashed my window. Now I always store it in the under-seat storage compartment and also use window tinting to reduce reflections. Additionally, driving safety must be considered - hard objects like flashlights can become projectiles during sudden braking and cause injuries. A friend's windshield was cracked by a flying power bank. Personally, I recommend using Velcro or dedicated mounts for secure placement, avoiding airbag deployment zones. Of course, quality matters too - plastic flashlight casings can deform in high temperatures and release harmful substances. I've since switched to an all-aluminum alloy model that's both safer and less appealing to thieves.
