Six items every UK driver should remove from cars this weekend – they can leak ‘harmful substances' or even EXPLODE
With temperatures expected to soar up to 32 degrees,
2
Brit drivers should remove six items from their cars ahead of this weekend's heatwave
Credit: Getty
2
Devices are highly sensitive to heat, which can cause them damage or even to pose a fire risk
Credit: Getty
The advice comes at a perfect time as warmer weather is forecast across the UK in coming weeks.
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.
more on motors
Markus Lindblad, a leading expert at
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.
Most read in Motors
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.
Car expert urges drivers to do two maintenance checks before summer heat – 'quarter test' could save on a tow
"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
This is especially when they are left on the dashboard or seats in direct sunlight.
Why does heat damage batteries?
Here's what you need to know...
Hot temperatures can cause permanent damage to batteries
That's because batteries contain fluids, and work through chemical reactions
When heat is applied to a battery, the fluid inside starts to evaporate
This damages the internal structure of the battery
Components like the voltage indicator can be affected by heat
This can allow batteries to charge at too high a rate, which can lead to a loss of electrolytes
This can reduce battery life over time
As batteries heat up, chemical reactions inside will also occur faster
Excessive chemical reactions can reduce long-term battery life
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