Six items every UK driver should remove from cars this weekend – they can leak ‘harmful substances' or even EXPLODE

The Sun

6 days ago

MOTOR experts have urged Brit drivers to remove six items from their cars ahead of this weekend's heatwave.
With temperatures expected to soar up to 32 degrees, keeping these items inside your car could be dangerous as they could explode or even leak harmful substances.
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The advice comes at a perfect time as warmer weather is forecast across the UK in coming weeks.
Drivers therefore should be careful about what they leave in the vehicles throughout the summer.
Leaving windows slightly open, while an easy option that can be more convenient, is not always enough.
On top of that, car experts suggest that car interiors can become dangerously hot within minutes.
Markus Lindblad, a leading expert at Haypp, warned drivers to remove these six items that should not be kept inside a hot car.
First in the list comes fizzy drinks, such as a bottle of cola.
Markus warned that fizzy drinks cans could explode in hot weather, in a serious safety risk for road users and passengers.
He explained that when exposed to extreme heat, carbon dioxide can expand and explode from the container.
Next comes sunglasses, which Markus says could break when kept directly under the sun.
The expert added: "When exposed to extreme temperatures, the heat can warp or even break the frame or the lenses, as well as cause the lenses to crack.
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"To be safe, keep them in a case during the hot weather and in a cool, shaded place.'
According to him, even daily medications should not be left inside a heated car - as high temperatures could make them "less effective".
Markus even warned that suncream can "break down' in high temperatures making it less effective.
And its the same with condoms and contraceptive pills, which should be stored in a cool place.
Lastly, the expert stressed that leaving vapes with batteries inside a car can cause swelling and leaking.
Markus added: 'If you leave your vape in a hot car for a long period of time, then it's important to cool the vape down safely by placing it in a cool dark place.
'Alternatively, wipe it down with a cold damp cloth and let it air dry. If your vape has overheated, do not, under any circumstances, place the vape in water to cool it down, as this could increase the risk of the battery exploding.'
John Wilmot, CEO of car leasing comparison site LeaseLoco, adds: 'As temperatures rise, it's important to think twice before leaving anything behind in your vehicle that could melt, warp, overheat or even pose a fire risk.'
This is especially when they are left on the dashboard or seats in direct sunlight.