Why Shouldn't You Keep Bottled Water in the Car?
3 Answers
Keeping bottled water in the car can pose safety hazards. Generally, bottled water has an expiration period, typically one year for bottled mineral water. Bottled mineral water does not contain chlorine and lacks antibacterial properties. In the high temperatures of summer, it can take just a few hours for bacteria to multiply significantly. More details about keeping bottled water in the car are as follows: 1. Impact of high temperatures: When the trunk temperature exceeds 70°C, it can easily cause the one-year shelf life of bottled water to end prematurely. Normally, one cubic meter of air contains about 5,000 bacteria (not pathogenic bacteria), and over time, these bacteria can multiply and affect drinking water hygiene. Generally, opened bottled water will have bacteria levels exceeding safe limits after more than 48 hours. When temperatures exceed 70°C, the plastic bottle softens, making it easier for oxygen to penetrate the bottle and causing the water's shelf life to end prematurely. 2. Impact of sunlight: If bottled water is placed in direct sunlight inside the car, it can easily lead to an explosion. When sunlight passes through the car window and directly hits the bottle, the bottle acts like a convex lens, focusing the light. Combined with the already high temperature inside the car (around 70°C), the focused light spot from the bottle can reach temperatures of over 120°C, which can easily ignite other flammable materials and indirectly cause an explosion.
Once I heard that keeping bottled water in the car is unsafe, mainly because the temperature inside the car can soar to over 50°C during summer heat, causing those plastic bottles to soften or even deform, releasing chemicals called BPA. When these mix into the water and are consumed, they can harm health and potentially increase cancer risks. Personally, when driving, I try to avoid this by switching to metal water bottles or using insulated bags to store water, which feels safer. Additionally, bottled water left for too long can breed bacteria, especially when parked under direct sunlight, causing the water to spoil quickly, which may lead to diarrhea if consumed. Safety first—I recommend regularly cleaning out clutter in the car and not risking convenience by using plastic bottles for drinks.
As a stay-at-home mom who often drives with kids, I find keeping bottled water in the car quite unhygienic. Children love shaking the bottles, causing water to splash and wet the seats or carpets, which can lead to mold and unpleasant odors over time, making cleaning difficult. It's slightly better in winter, but during hot summers, the water can spoil and develop bad tastes, potentially causing stomach issues. I once left a few bottles in the car, only to have the caps loosen and leak everywhere, even soaking the trunk. Replacing car seats was an expensive lesson. I recommend using reusable water bottles or insulated tumblers instead of bottled water. Developing this good habit can save a lot of hassle.
