Surprising items that should never be left in cars this weekend

Drivers have been urged to consider what is left in cars this week, as everyday items could become hazardous with the rising temperatures. Motoring experts have named six unsafe things for drivers to keep in the car when it’s hot.

While it is common knowledge that children and pets should never be left in the car because of the risks, the dangers of leaving other things, such as bottled water, are not as well known.

This week’s heatwave has brought widespread sunny weather, with this weekend’s highs set to beat 2023’s current high of 32.2C, seen back in June.

As the weather gets warmer, experts urge drivers to think about what they leave in their cars while it is hot.

Studies have shown that even on a typically cooler summer day, a car’s internal temperatures can reach over 50°C.

Not only can some items get damaged if left inside hot cars, but there are also concerns that leaving some things exposed to the sun could cause dangerous situations.

Medical pills and suncream are just some other items that should never be left in hot cars because of safety risks.

Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk said: “Many Brits are unaware of the dangers of leaving certain things in the car when the weather is hot.

“Most of us have been used to British summertime being a bit damp, but this week, we have seen much higher temperatures, unusual for September. 

“Drivers need to ensure that they are aware of hot-weather motoring risks as items such as mobile phones can be quickly damaged and their lifespan shortened when left inside hot cars.

“Plastic water bottles can become dangerous, so buying a BPA-free or reusable bottle is best. Medication can also become less effective once left in the heat, so it’s essential to check the packaging and how to store it.

“Throughout this weekend, cleaning your car and removing any hazardous items is best.”

These Are the Six Things LeaseCar.uk Say Should Never Be Left in Hot Cars:

1. Water Bottles

Plastic water bottles left in the heat can cause chemicals to have a toxic reaction, which could then be released into the water. Using a BPA-free bottle or finding a reusable metal or glass bottle is best.

2. Suncream

Although a summer essential, several ingredients in suncream are liable to break down when left in hot cars, meaning the protection will no longer effectively protect skin from UVA rays. Sometimes, the packaging can explode, too, leaving a mess all over the car interior.

3. Sunglasses

Every driver this summer will ensure they have a pair of sunglasses to hand. However, leaving them unprotected in a case will likely cause the glasses to scratch and break. The heat can also cause the plastic frames to discolour, the lenses to distort, and the frames to warp.

4. Canned Drinks

A nice cold can of pop on a warm summer’s day may sound like a nice idea, but motorists should avoid leaving fizzy drinks in the car’s heat. Carbonated cans often explode because of rising temperatures, quickly ruining the car interior and leaving it sticky and smelling.

5. Medication

Certain medications must be stored in the fridge (like insulin and antibiotics), and others, such as Calpol, cannot be kept at temperatures above 25°C.

In the heat, many drugs can turn bad and make them less effective, so it’s essential to check the packaging to store medication correctly.

6. Mobile Phones

Many of us would’ve seen the warning on our mobile phones, which have been overheating after being left in the heat. Leaving phones in the car, where internal temperatures can reach up to double the outside temperatures, quickly damages the batteries and could cause them to break.

To learn more about things to avoid keeping in your car, head to https://leasecar.uk/.