Will a Phone Explode If Left in a Car During Summer?
2 Answers
Leaving a phone in a car during summer may cause it to explode. If exposed to direct sunlight and high temperatures, the phone could overheat and potentially explode. Phones contain batteries, and prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to explosions. Even if it doesn't explode, the battery may suffer significant damage. To prevent this, store the phone in a shaded area away from direct sunlight. If the phone overheats, place it near an air conditioning vent to cool it down quickly and avoid battery damage. Avoid leaving lighters in the car: They are small, easy to forget, and highly dangerous. Lighters contain liquid butane, and exposure to heat can increase internal pressure, leading to an explosion. Avoid leaving bottled water in the car: When stored in a sun-exposed car for an extended period, bottled water can release harmful substances. Drinking it may not quench thirst but could harm health and cause discomfort. Avoid leaving glasses in the car: Especially reading glasses, as their convex lenses can focus sunlight, potentially causing a fire. Avoid leaving perfume (in glass bottles) in the car: Perfume evaporates and produces flammable gases. Its packaging has a critical point of 49°C. Tests show that an unshaded car can reach 65°C in just 15 minutes under midday summer sun, increasing the risk of explosion. Avoid leaving electronic devices in the car: Phones exposed to sunlight may develop mechanical issues, and chargers can overheat and explode.
I've been driving for over a decade, and during summer, the temperature inside the car skyrockets incredibly fast. Leaving a phone in the car does pose an explosion risk, primarily because the battery can swell or experience thermal runaway under high temperatures. I once experienced this myself—my phone, left on the dashboard under direct sunlight, swelled up and nearly caught fire. Luckily, I noticed it in time. Lithium-ion batteries are unstable in such extreme conditions, and thermal runaway can lead to explosions. While not every car will face this issue, the risk is real, especially during sun-exposed afternoons. In-car temperatures can easily exceed 50°C, which is highly damaging to batteries. I recommend everyone develop the habit of taking their phone when leaving the car or at least placing it in a shaded area to avoid direct sunlight. This simple step can prevent potential dangers and protect both yourself and your vehicle.
