As warmer temperatures are forecast to sweep across the UK this Bank Holiday weekend, experts are urging motorists to remove one particular item from their vehicles ahead of Friday.
Temperature Rise Sparks Warning
From tomorrow, May 22, the mercury is expected to climb significantly. While many will welcome this rise in temperature, it will inevitably cause cars to heat up considerably too. This notable shift has prompted a warning to drivers to take any vapes out of their vehicles.
Markus Lindblad, Head of Legal & External Affairs at Haypp, has set out the hazards of leaving vapes in a car as the weather begins to warm up, and what steps to take should your vape overheat.
Battery Risks in Hot Cars
All vapes need a battery to operate, and these batteries are extremely sensitive to any drastic shift in temperature, particularly heat. Should you leave your vape in the car and it's subjected to prolonged sun exposure, the vape battery risks swelling, leaking and, in certain circumstances, could potentially explode.
The extreme heat conditions inside a car can also cause the e-liquid within vapes to thin out, or the vape tank may expand, resulting in leaks. A leaking vape will not only create a sticky mess inside the car that's tricky to clean, but in some instances can also cause skin irritation.
Insurance Implications
If the vape has leaked inside the vehicle, it is strongly advised not to use it and to dispose of it responsibly. Exposing a vape to heat can also harm components of the device, affecting its performance, shortening the battery life, and damaging the coils, screen or tank. If a vape triggers a car fire, owners may find themselves unable to make an insurance claim.
Certain policies might contain clauses that exclude cover for fires caused by vaping devices, contending that you heightened the vehicle's fire risk, leaving the car owner facing damage costs worth thousands of pounds.
Safe Cooling Measures
If you leave your vape in a hot car for an extended period, then it's crucial to cool the device 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, submerge the vape in water to cool it down, as this could heighten the risk of the battery exploding.
