Will solid car fragrance catch fire in the car?

[Gutierrez]

Normally, it will not explode, but it may explode if placed in a high-temperature car. Here is some relevant information about car fragrance: 1. Introduction: Most car fragrances are semi-solid or viscous liquids, insoluble in water but almost completely soluble in ethanol; they are only partially soluble in hydrocarbon solvents. When freshly extracted from plants, the fragrance is a viscous liquid that gradually hardens upon exposure to air. Car fragrance can be placed on the car dashboard, on tables at home, in front of computers, in offices, and other places, providing a beautiful interior decoration effect. 2. Usage: Hold the handle at the back to open the lid. Remove the silver foil adhesive paper. Place the container back in its original position. Use the included double-sided tape to attach the product to a sturdy spot inside the car.

[VonJason]

I think this issue is quite important because the temperature inside a car can soar to 60-70 degrees Celsius in summer. Some components in solid air fresheners, like essential oils or alcohol solvents, are prone to volatilization or combustion. I’ve researched some brands myself, such as common air freshener wax melts, which mostly use plant wax as a base with a melting point around 100 degrees Celsius. After being exposed to intense sunlight, the dashboard area can reach the highest temperatures, sometimes even hitting the melting point. If there’s an ignition source, like a poorly closed cigarette lighter, it could potentially catch fire. That’s why I often remind my friends not to place air fresheners on top of the dashboard or near the console—moving them to the glove compartment or sunshade area is much safer, as those spots stay cooler. Additionally, check the packaging of the air freshener to see if it’s labeled as flammable. Some low-quality products contain unstable ingredients, posing higher risks. If you notice the scent becoming stronger or emitting an unusual odor, remove it immediately and don’t leave it in the car overnight. Regular interior cleaning is also crucial to prevent dust buildup, which could lead to accidents. Overall, while it’s not a 100% certainty that it will catch fire, there is indeed a risk under high temperatures, so prevention is always the best approach.

[DelSteven]

From my experience, I've encountered many similar situations while driving over the years. The risk of solid air fresheners catching fire in the car is higher than you might think. Once during a summer outing, I left a scented wax given by a friend under the windshield. At noon, the temperature reached nearly 40 degrees, turning the car interior into an oven. When I returned in the afternoon, I found the wax had melted with a slight burnt smell—fortunately, it didn't catch fire. Later, I investigated the cause. The ingredients of such waxes usually contain alcohol or volatile solvents, which can vaporize under high temperatures and potentially ignite if exposed to a cigarette lighter or short-circuited wires. Most standard waxes have a flashpoint between 120 to 150 degrees Celsius, while the peak temperature inside a car in summer can exceed 75 degrees, especially with direct sunlight, making the risk significant. Now, I always recommend placing them on the rear seat floor or in the trunk, away from heat-concentrated areas. When choosing waxes, opt for well-sealed, alcohol-free products for added safety. Remember, safety comes first—don’t let fragrance compromise driving safety.

[OAlejandro]

From a safety perspective, the main reasons why solid air fresheners in cars can catch fire are high temperatures and incompatible ingredients. I've encountered similar cases during car repairs where intense sunlight rapidly increased the interior temperature. Some air fresheners contain flammable substances like ethanol, which can spontaneously combust or ignite upon contact with fire when the environment reaches a certain heat level. For daily parking, it's best to park in shaded areas or use sunshades to lower the temperature. A simple solution is to place the air freshener away from heat sources, such as under the seats, and regularly check for any damage to the packaging. If budget allows, switching to odorless air conditioning filters is safer and reduces potential hazards. In short, managing items inside the car can prevent accidents.