11-07-2025
The one thing experts say you must not do whilst driving in a heatwave
The one thing experts say you must not do whilst driving in a heatwave
Experts say it could result in a fire
Traffic in Cardiff ahead of the Stevie Wonder gig at Blackweir Live
(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne )
Drivers are being urged not to use their phones in windscreen holders while driving during the heatwave. Many motorists rely on their smartphones for GPS navigation while they drive, but extreme heat and direct sunlight can cause serious and lasting damage to mobile phones.
Mobile phone recycling comparison experts Compare and Recycling says that most smartphones are designed to operate safely at temperatures of up to around 35°C; however, exceeding that can lead to lasting damages and dangers.
This can include:
The battery overheating or swelling, which can cause a fire
Permanent screen or processor damage
Unexpected shutdowns and reduced performance
Accelerated wear and tear on internal components
Having your phone stationed on your dashboard can raise its internal temperature to dangerous levels.
Reddit users have previously complained about their iPhones overheating while using CarPlay alone - even without the added pressure of a heatwave.
Head of marketing at Compare and Recycle, Antonia Hristov said: 'Smartphones are essentially mini-computers and just like laptops, they don't cope well in extreme heat.
'Using your phone for any task generates heat, and when it's in direct sunlight - especially mounted next to a windscreen where the glass creates a greenhouse effect and intensifies the heat.
"It can quickly exceed safe operating temperatures going beyond the recommended 35°C, which even phones with advanced cooling systems struggle with.
'An overheating battery doesn't just pose a risk of damaging your device; it can also pose a safety risk.
"When temperatures soar outside, we recommend attaching your phone using a holder that clips onto the air-conditioning vent, keeping the phone cool.
'If you don't need to have your phone up in front of you, and have Apple or Android CarPlay, we recommend that you use that instead, ensuring that you store your phone in a shaded and cool spot inside the car while driving.
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'You can even remove your phone case or switch on airplane mode while driving to help with cooling.'
