What Items Should Not Be Left in a Car During Summer?
2 Answers
During summer, the following items should not be left in a car: 1. Lighters: Ordinary lighters mainly contain liquid butane, which is flammable and explosive. High concentrations of butane can explode at just 20°C under normal conditions. Once the ambient temperature exceeds 55°C, the lighter's volume will expand. If the outside temperature is above 30°C, the car's interior can reach 60-70°C after being exposed to the sun. 2. Perfume: Perfume bottles are relatively sealed, making them prone to expansion under high temperatures, creating a hazard. Additionally, the glass bottle holding the perfume can focus sunlight entering the car into a single point, potentially causing a fire. 3. Transparent glass bottles: Any transparent object like glass can reflect sunlight. If it concentrates sunlight at one point, it can generate high temperatures at that spot, leading to combustion. 4. Sealed canned liquids or beverages: Carbonated drinks already contain gas; shaking the bottle slightly can cause it to expand. Combined with thermal expansion, this makes them more likely to burst. 5. Power banks: According to their instructions, power banks should not be used in high temperatures, as this can be dangerous. 6. Electronic devices: Devices like phones contain intricate circuit boards, and prolonged exposure to high temperatures inside a car can easily damage them. Batteries are even more hazardous, as they may swell or even explode under high temperatures. Therefore, electronic devices should especially not be placed on the top of the dashboard where they are exposed to direct sunlight or on the shelf between the rear seats and windows. 7. Reading glasses: Reading glasses are convex lenses that can focus light. If exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period, the focused light can rapidly increase the temperature at the focal point. If placed on a flammable anti-slip mat, this can lead to the mat and the car nearly catching fire. 8. Low-quality CDs: CDs are made from optical plastic "polycarbonate" coated with a layer of aluminum film, which is then covered with a protective lacquer. Polycarbonate contains large amounts of bisphenol A and benzene, which can easily diffuse into the air when the car's interior temperature exceeds 60°C. 9. Plastic toys: Plastic toys are typically made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride). While this material is highly malleable and inexpensive, it is not heat-resistant, with a maximum tolerance of 81°C. Exposure to high temperatures can release harmful substances.
In the scorching summer heat, I never leave electronic devices like phones, laptops, or power banks in the car—their batteries can swell or even catch fire and explode when overheated, which is extremely dangerous. The same goes for aerosol cans such as air fresheners or deodorants, as the increased internal pressure can cause them to burst. I also avoid leaving bottled water in the car, as the plastic bottles can soften in high temperatures, potentially leaching harmful chemicals into the water, which poses health risks if consumed. Lighters are a definite no—they can spontaneously ignite when heated. Food items like chocolate or fruit can spoil and attract pests, contaminating the car. I always recommend clearing out unnecessary items after parking and choosing shaded or garage spots to prevent accidents. Additionally, items like eyeglass frames or plastic toys can warp and aren’t worth the risk. I constantly remind my friends: safety first.