Will Glasses Left in a Car Spontaneously Combust?
4 Answers
Sunglasses placed in direct sunlight can potentially cause a vehicle to spontaneously combust. Post-accident procedures and differences in auto insurance: Reporting the incident: In the unfortunate event of a traffic accident, the driver must immediately stop the vehicle, actively protect the scene, rescue the injured and property, promptly report to the traffic police department, and notify the insurance company. Differences in auto insurance: There are no variations in terms and rates, as all insurance companies in the same region adhere to the unified auto insurance clauses and rates issued by the China Insurance Regulatory Commission. Not reporting to the traffic police after an accident: This depends on the situation. For single-vehicle accidents where the initial scene is preserved, it may not be necessary to report to the traffic police.
I often go on road trips and have the habit of leaving my glasses in the car, but could they spontaneously combust? From a physics perspective, glasses, especially convex lenses, can focus sunlight. If glasses are casually placed on the dashboard or under the windshield, sunlight passing through the lens can concentrate on a single point, potentially raising the temperature above 200 degrees—enough to ignite seats or paper inside the car, causing a localized fire. Regular glasses with small lenses pose a low risk, but if the lens curvature is high or placed near a magnifying glass, the risk increases. It's advisable not to leave glasses exposed to direct sunlight in summer and to park in shaded areas. Once the car interior temperature soars above 50 degrees, anything can go wrong. Similarly, crystal ornaments or water bottles can also have a light-focusing effect. Paying extra attention to these details can prevent potential hazards, as car maintenance is all about meticulous protection.
Once I left my glasses by the car window and came back hours later to find the plastic frames had softened and deformed from the heat. Thankfully, they didn't catch fire. This taught me a lesson: while the chance of spontaneous combustion in a car is slim, materials like resin or plastic in glasses can decompose under high temperatures, though their high ignition point makes them less likely to catch fire. However, the interior can become like an oven, reaching up to 70°C in summer, which can degrade items over time. Though they might not combust, prolonged exposure can accelerate aging or cause other issues. My advice is to always store glasses in the center console drawer and avoid placing them near lighters or similar items. I've also experienced a perfume bottle exploding after being left in the sun, reinforcing the importance of regularly checking items in the car to prevent unnecessary risks.
From a safety precaution perspective, leaving glasses in the car generally won't cause spontaneous combustion, as modern materials are mostly fire-resistant in design. However, if placed in direct sunlight, the focusing effect could ignite flammable materials like tissues, indirectly causing a fire. I recommend regularly cleaning the car interior, avoiding clutter accumulation, and especially not leaving glasses exposed in hazardous areas. The associated risks are similar to mobile phone battery overheating—low probability but severe consequences. The best practice is to remove valuables after parking and maintain proper ventilation inside the vehicle. These small steps, when accumulated, can significantly reduce safety hazards and ensure safe driving.
