Deadly objects that explode in cars in 40 degree Celsius heat

Studies show that when the outside temperature is 35 degrees Celsius, in just 20 minutes, the cabin of a small car (without air conditioning) can reach 50 degrees Celsius. If the time is 40 minutes, the cabin temperature reaches 65.5 degrees Celsius.

When leaving the car in the sun at about 39-40 degrees Celsius, the temperature inside the car can reach more than 60 degrees Celsius. At that time, items that many drivers often carry with them such as fire extinguishers, lighters, carbonated soft drink cans, battery chargers, etc. are all at risk of exploding.

The heat in the cabin increases the pressure of the liquids, causing them to explode. Other products such as pencils, chocolate or candy, lipstick, etc. may also be damaged.

A lighter left in a car parked outside exploded and broke into pieces - (Photo: Facebook PQT)

In fact, there have been many cases of objects exploding in cars parked in the sun. In Vietnam, there have been many cases of fire extinguishers, soda cans, and gas lighters exploding in cars.

Therefore, it is recommended that these items not be left in the car during hot weather.

1. Cosmetics and medicines

In the summer, many women have the habit of bringing sunscreen and skin-supporting cosmetics. But the reality is that cosmetics and medicines are very sensitive to temperature.

Many people have admitted to having their sunscreen bottles explode, especially the spray ones. Perfumes can spontaneously explode at temperatures of around 49 degrees Celsius, leading to unpredictable consequences.

In addition to causing some objects to explode, the temperature in a car under the sun can cause the ingredients in tablets and capsules to change, making the medicine ineffective or even dangerous to the user.

2. Car lighter

A lighter is also known as a time bomb if left in a car. Inside the lighter contains a small amount of gas but is extremely dangerous, the amount of gas is very easy to expand, explode can burn the leather seat or break the glass, if left in a car parked in the sun about 100 degrees Celsius.

Recently, social media users shared images of a lighter left in a car suddenly exploding, startling many people.

Netizens' warning about lighters exploding in cars. Photo: Le Duc Anh

Accordingly, this member parked the car in the company yard, without a roof, the front window was covered with a glass shield to reduce the heat. But after returning to the car at around 11 am, due to accidentally leaving both the cigarette pack and the gas lighter in the storage compartment, the temperature rose too high, causing the lighter to burst open, the shell flying out. The temperature measured in the car at this time was over 50 degrees Celsius. Fortunately, the lighter had run out of gas at this time, so there were no unfortunate consequences.

On July 4, 2018, a netizen who is a Kia car owner posted a warning about leaving two lighters in a cigarette pack. After 2 hours of leaving the car in the sun, he suddenly discovered that the two lighters exploded, luckily not causing much damage to the equipment in the car.

3. Electronics

According to experts, leaving technological devices such as phones, cameras, laptops, etc. in cars will affect their lifespan.

At high temperatures, components in electronic devices are easily damaged, even melted. For example, leaving a camera in the car on a summer day can cause the lens and memory card to lose their effectiveness.

In addition, drivers should pay attention to the batteries in technological devices. This is a dangerous component and is likened to a bomb if left in the car because the acid in the battery can leak out, causing harm to the skin and eyes of people in the car.

4. Plastic objects

Plastic items such as sunglasses, CDs, DVDs, plastic boxes, etc. can all melt when the temperature inside the car increases.

Plastic water bottles are a common item seen in cars. Experts warn that you should not drink water from plastic bottles that have been left in the sun for a long time because the chemical components can change and become toxic to the human body.

Water bottles left in the car can cause fire.

More dangerously, similar to the way a lens works, a clear plastic bottle filled with water can concentrate the sun's rays and turn them into a powerful beam of light. Depending on the material of the plastic bottle you left in your car, the beam could be strong enough to start a fire.

So, you should put water bottles in compartments and storage compartments where sunlight cannot reach.

5. Rubber, glue, tape

Rubber gloves, rubber sandals, flip-flops or glue can completely turn into liquid form due to melting at high temperatures. If these items are left directly on the car seat or floor, the car owner will spend a lot of money and time to clean.

6. Carbonated drinks

Carbonated drinks like Coca-Cola, Pepsi... often have a large amount of gas and when the car temperature increases, it can cause the carbonated bottles and cans to explode.

Soft drink can explodes when left in car in hot weather.

7. Poor quality fire extinguisher

Faced with the necessity of having a fire extinguisher in the car, many drivers are complacent about their lives and are willing to buy poor quality products. However, poor quality fire extinguishers are the most likely to cause fire and explosion. The large volume and poor quality make these types of fire extinguishers easily explode when the car temperature rises.

Therefore, car users should choose to buy fire extinguishers that meet quality standards to keep themselves safe in all situations.