Will Storing Alcohol in the Car Trunk Have Any Impact?
3 Answers
Storing alcohol in the car trunk can have negative effects. Below are the impacts of storing alcohol in the car trunk: 1. Affects Taste: During summer, the temperature inside the trunk can reach up to 60°C under direct sunlight, while alcoholic beverages require relatively lower storage temperatures. For instance, wine should be stored at around 5-20°C, liquor below 35°C, and beer is best stored at 5-25°C. Prolonged storage of alcohol in the trunk can lead to chemical reactions, causing spoilage and significantly affecting the taste and quality of the alcohol. 2. Explosion Hazard: If there are gaps in the bottle cap, the alcohol inside can interact with external air, leading to alcohol evaporation and an increase in internal pressure. This can potentially cause spontaneous combustion or explosion while the car is in motion.
I usually enjoy drinking and often drive with alcohol to friends' gatherings. Storing alcohol in the trunk does have an impact, mainly due to temperature issues. In summer, the car interior temperature can soar to over 50 degrees Celsius. Wine oxidizes faster when exposed to temperatures above 30 degrees, and beer is more prone to spoilage and turning sour. Last year, I left a bottle of red wine in the trunk for two days, and it completely lost its fruity aroma when I drank it. Moreover, the trunk is quite bumpy, making opened bottles especially prone to spilling. Last time, it stained the trunk mat, and the alcohol smell lingered for half a month. Extra caution is needed for glass bottles, as they might crack when colliding with each other on rough roads. Now, I use an insulated cooler with ice packs when transporting alcohol or simply place it under the front passenger seat. For short trips, remember to lay the bottles flat to prevent the corks from drying out and cracking.
As a veteran taxi driver with twenty years of experience, I've carried all sorts of things in my trunk. When it comes to transporting alcohol, safety risks are the main concern. The biggest fear is bottles suddenly shattering during sudden braking or a rear-end collision, with glass shards and spilled alcohol creating a dangerous situation. Especially with high-proof spirits, spilled liquid can easily ignite. Some passengers leave bottles open, and the alcohol fumes drifting into the cabin can lead to false drunk driving accusations by traffic police. Just last month, a passenger got pulled over for a breathalyzer test because of this—though cleared eventually, it wasted half an hour. I recommend securing bottles in foam boxes and limiting it to four or five bottles max. In summer, avoid leaving alcohol in the car long-term as heat degrades quality. If storage is necessary, choose a shaded spot and lay bottles horizontally.
