Drivers are being urged to remove eight items from their cars ahead of the heatwave. A heat health alert takes hold on June 18, with the hot weather likely to stick around until Monday, where temperatures hit 34°C, according to the Met Office.
Car Temperatures Can Exceed 50°C
Car insurance firm Rooster Insurance shared the guidance on their TikTok account, alerting drivers that vehicles can exceed 50°C in hot weather due to the 'greenhouse effect' created by the windows.
The insurance company said: "Here are eight things you should never leave in a hot car. In summer your car can reach over 50 degrees Celsius so it's really important to not leave some things in the car and these are aside from the obvious answers such as children and pets."
Items to Remove from Your Car
1. Electronics: Heat can fry the batteries or even cause them to swell or leak. In a hot car, anything with a lithium battery becomes a fire hazard.
2. Aerosol Cans: Items such as hairspray and deodorant can explode due to the heat.
3. Bottled Water: When heated, the plastic can leak chemicals into the water.
4. Sunglasses: Heat can distort the frames and harm the UV coating, requiring a replacement.
5. Medications: High temperatures can ruin their effectiveness, making them unsafe to use.
6. Hand Sanitiser: Flammable alcohol is a fire hazard, especially in direct sunlight.
7. Orange Juice and Sugary Drinks: Heat can cause these to explode, creating a mess.
8. Lipstick: It can melt and become unusable.
Drivers are advised to check their cars and remove these items to avoid damage or safety risks during the heatwave.
