Will a Lighter Explode if Left in a Car?
3 Answers
A lighter left in a car can explode due to the following reason: Lighters contain pressurized gas. When placed on the dashboard or center console where they're exposed to direct sunlight, the gas inside the lighter will continuously expand under prolonged exposure to heat. Upon reaching a critical point, the lighter may explode, potentially causing severe damage to the vehicle. Items that should not be left in cars during summer include: 1. Carbonated beverages containing CO2 gas; 2. Car perfumes; 3. Batteries, digital cameras, medications, and food communication devices; 4. Reading glasses; 5. Magnifying glasses.
I used to do the same thing when driving. One summer day, after my car was parked in the sun all afternoon, a lighter in the armrest compartment suddenly exploded with a 'bang.' Although it didn't catch fire, the entire compartment was filled with fragments and oil stains. Now I understand that lighters contain butane gas, which expands very quickly under high temperatures. In summer, the dashboard temperature can reach 70 degrees Celsius, and the plastic shell simply can't withstand the internal pressure. Whether it will explode actually depends on the type of lighter. Those cheap disposable lighters are the most dangerous, while metal-cased ones are slightly better. Moreover, the leaked gas after an explosion can ignite if it encounters static electricity. I've developed a habit now: as soon as I get in the car, I put the lighter in my pants pocket and take it out, or at least place it behind the sun visor, which is better than leaving it exposed to direct sunlight.
Drivers, be careful: keeping lighters in your car can indeed cause trouble. I've seen test videos where lighters start deforming at 50°C. A repair shop technician once told me they dismantled a car that caught fire due to a lighter exploding in the armrest box. The principle is simple: liquid butane turns into gas when heated, and when the pressure exceeds the plastic shell's limit, it explodes. Especially when parking under the sun in summer, the dashboard can get as hot as a griddle. However, storing lighters in the trunk is safer as it's cooler there. The key is not to leave lighters under the front windshield, where temperatures rise the fastest. If you must use one, opt for a car cigarette lighter—it's much safer.
