Is It Safe to Store Alcohol in a Car?
2 Answers
Storing alcohol in a car is not safe, as alcohol is highly flammable and volatile. If the glass bottle happens to have a convex lens-like shape, it can focus sunlight and ignite the alcohol inside, potentially leading to a severe explosion. If you must store alcohol in your car, it should be placed in a leak-proof, pressure-resistant, and impact-resistant sealed container. Additionally, car owners should take precautions when using alcohol for disinfection. Since alcohol has a high concentration and evaporates quickly, with a 75% ethanol disinfectant having a flash point around 22°C, it is essential to maintain proper ventilation inside the car. It is recommended to use a towel soaked in alcohol to wipe down the interior surfaces of the car, rather than spraying alcohol directly, to avoid creating a high concentration of alcohol vapor in the air, which could pose a fire hazard. Before cleaning the car's interior, make sure to turn off the engine and wait until all vehicle systems have stopped operating to reduce any risks.
As a frequent driver, I remember once leaving a bottle of baijiu on the back seat during summer, and the soaring temperature inside the car nearly caused a fire. Alcohol is highly flammable and volatile in an enclosed vehicle, especially in hot seasons when the car turns into an oven after being exposed to the sun. Bottled alcohol may crack or leak, posing an explosion risk. Whether it's alcoholic beverages or disinfectant alcohol, the safety factor is very low. I would advise car owners to avoid storing them unless absolutely necessary, but if you must, ensure they are tightly sealed and placed in the trunk away from heat sources, such as near the engine or windows. Additionally, long-term storage may corrode plastic components or produce unpleasant odors, affecting the driving experience. It's wiser to keep alcohol-free alternatives like wet wipes on hand. Safe driving is paramount—don’t risk damaging your car or health over minor conveniences.
