UK drivers have been warned to remove seven specific items from their vehicles before Thursday, as a heatwave is set to bring temperatures of up to 38°C to the country. The warning comes from motoring experts who highlight serious safety risks posed by leaving certain objects in hot cars.
Which Items Should Be Removed?
According to a report by Express.co.uk, the items include vapes and spare lithium batteries, which can swell, leak, or fail in extreme heat. Shane Margereson, spokesperson for vape experts Ecigone, said: "A vape should never be left baking in a car. The battery, liquid and seals are all affected by heat, so the safest approach is simple: take it with you, keep it out of direct sun, and do not charge it in a hot vehicle." He added that if a device feels unusually hot, looks swollen, leaks, or behaves differently after being left in heat, users should stop using it, let it cool safely, and check manufacturer guidance before reuse.
Disposable lighters can crack, leak, or burst if left on a dashboard or seat. Aerosol cans, such as deodorant, hairspray, and cleaning sprays, also pose a risk. Bottled fizzy drinks, cans, and carbonated water can expand and potentially leak or burst.
Medicines and Suncream at Risk
Medicines including inhalers, insulin, and tablets may lose effectiveness or become damaged by high temperatures. Drivers are advised to take them out of the car. Suncream can separate or lose stability when exposed to heat, making it less effective. Finally, glasses and sunglasses should be removed as frames may warp and lenses can be damaged.
Boots, the pharmacy chain, has previously advised: "Though it might be convenient, the temperature inside a parked car can become much hotter than the outside temperature. Instead, try to take them with you or even store them in the centre console, as this spot may stay cooler than your dashboard or seats if shaded."
Heatwave Forecast
Temperatures are forecast to reach 38°C, with Thursday expected to be the hottest day of the week. The sunny spell is likely to encourage more road users to head out, increasing the number of vehicles exposed to extreme heat. Motorists are urged to act before Wednesday to avoid potential hazards.
