With large parts of the UK experiencing temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius, Rooster Car Insurance has issued a warning about eight items that should never be left inside a vehicle during a heatwave. The advice comes as the Met Office has issued a rare red warning for extreme heat across parts of England and Wales, with temperatures expected to reach up to 40°C.
Electronics Pose Fire Risk
Rooster Car Insurance highlighted that electronics, including mobile phones and gadgets with lithium batteries, can become a fire hazard when left in a hot car. "Heat can fry the batteries or cause them to swell or leak," the company warned. "In a hot car, anything with a lithium battery inside becomes a fire hazard."
Aerosol Cans Can Explode
Aerosol containers such as hairspray and deodorant are also dangerous. Rooster stated: "With things such as hairspray and deodorant, the heat can actually make them explode." This is due to the pressure buildup inside the can when exposed to high temperatures.
Bottled Water May Leach Chemicals
Staying hydrated is crucial, but leaving bottled water in the car can be risky. "When heated, the plastic can actually leak chemicals into your water," Rooster explained. This could pose a health risk if consumed.
Sunglasses and Medication at Risk
Sunglasses can suffer damage from heat, as "the heat can warp the frames and damage the UV coating," according to Rooster. Similarly, medication should not be left in the car, as heat can "ruin" its effectiveness and make it unsafe to use.
Flammable Hand Sanitiser
Hand sanitiser, which contains alcohol, is flammable and should be kept out of direct sunlight. Rooster advised: "Keep it out of direct sunlight."
Orange Juice and Lipstick Can Melt
Sugary beverages like orange juice can explode due to heat, creating "a huge mess" in the car. Lipstick and lip balms are also vulnerable, as they can soften, warp, or break in high temperatures.
Health Warnings from the Met Office
The Met Office has warned that the exceptional heat could lead to widespread adverse health impacts, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Heat exhaustion is typically not serious if body temperature is reduced within 30 minutes, but heatstroke requires urgent medical attention. Temperatures may climb to 38-40°C in some areas, exceeding the June record set in 1976.
