A blistering heat wave can quickly turn a parked car, even one in shade, into your own personal sauna in minutes. A vehicle can reach temperatures 40°F warmer than outside, with cabin temperatures often exceeding 140°F or higher during a heat wave. Also, surfaces like the dashboard can reach 185°F.
Many drivers know not to leave children or pets in their cars, but the list doesn’t stop there. During extreme heat temperatures, a quick tidy and scan of your vehicle before exiting can prevent expensive replacements and even stop potential dangers.
Learn which items should always be removed from your car during a heat wave, why those items pose a risk, and other ways to keep you and your vehicle safe.
Medications
It’s never a good idea to leave medication unattended in a car due to the risks of theft, accidental access by children or pets, invasion of medical privacy, etc. However, that risk is even more severe in a hot vehicle for long periods.
Many prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, insulin and other temperature-sensitive medications, and even medical devices require storage at controlled room temperatures as excessive heat can affect their effectiveness. Your prescriptions should note storage instructions, or you can confirm with a medical professional.
Electronics And Battery-Powered Devices
Electronic devices like phones, computers, tablets, digital cameras, power banks, hand-held gaming consoles, rechargeable tools, and other battery-powered devices are vulnerable to extreme temperatures like the inside of a vehicle during a heat wave.
These extreme temperatures can shorten battery life, damage internal components, reduce the device’s life expectancy, and cause unexpected shutdowns or performance issues. Lithium-ion batteries, in particular, are at risk of swelling, leaking, or malfunctioning in extreme conditions.
Even outside of a heat wave, if these devices are left in an unattended vehicle, they should be stored in a secure, non-visible location to help reduce the risk of theft or damage.
Aerosol Cans
Common aerosol products like deodorant, hairspray, spray paint, sunscreens, and air fresheners should not be left in a hot vehicle. Increased heat will impact the pressure of the sealed aerosol can, posing a safety hazard.
Check cans for printed temperature limits. But to be safe, remove any items that could potentially pose a risk. Extreme heat can cause leaks, ruptures, damaged containers, and even explosions.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is an important part of personal protection during the summer. But it’s important you protect it, too.
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can break down sunscreen, impacting potency and potentially causing leaks and other damage to the bottle.
Eyeglasses And Sunglasses
Another summertime staple is your sturdy pair of sunglasses.
Eyewear can be warped or damaged if left in extreme temperatures for too long. Plastic frames and lens coatings are particularly vulnerable to damage, and metal frames can become too hot to touch, potentially causing burns.
Glasses and sunglasses should be left in their protective cases, not on a dashboard or elsewhere in the car, and ideally removed when you leave the vehicle.
Plastic Water and Soda Bottles
Plastic bottles, when exposed to extreme temperatures like a hot vehicle, can experience a change in water quality and taste. Clear plastic bottles with concentrated sunlight can also pose a fire hazard. Reusable bottles hold up better during hot weather, however the liquid inside can still reach dangerous temperatures to drink.
Food, Groceries and Other Perishables
Groceries and other perishable items spoil rapidly in extreme temperatures. Items like chocolate, ice cream, and frozen foods can become a huge mess. Consider using insulated coolers for temperature-sensitive items if you’re planning on making additional stops after your grocery run.
Sources
Ready.gov, “Extreme Heat Safety Social Media Toolkit”
Kids and Car Safety, “Hot Car Resources”
CDC, “Heat and Medications”
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