Motorists should remove these five items from their cars before the weekend, with hot weather set to hit the UK within days. Experts have previously warned that certain items should be removed from vehicles in a heatwave and this weekend is set to be no exception.
Temperatures in London are set to hit 25C on Friday with 26C expected on Saturday. Some items, such as water bottles, aerosol cans and fizzy drinks could all be dangerous when temperatures rise. The list is packed full of common household items, meaning it’s more than likely road users will be caught out.
Water bottles
Recent studies have shown that plastic water bottles could leach BPA, microplastics, and other dangerous chemicals into the water when they become heated up.
According to The Weather Channel, many of these chemicals have been associated with gastrointestinal irritation, and even cancer.
Instead, pouring water into a stainless steel or glass bottle could be a safer alternative.
Medications
The NHS has previously warned that “hot and cold weather can physically change your medication and affect how well it works. This can be harmful to your health.”
It means placing important medicine in the car could be a bad idea and may alter the effectiveness of treatment.
Officials have stressed that not all medications are stored in the same way, so road users need to check the instructions on the packet and follow them closely.
Fizzy drinks
Carbonated drinks such as lemonade or cola could explode if temperatures get too high. Put simply, the carbon dioxide in fizzy drinks creates pressure on the inside of the can.
When it is heated, the pressure will rise and when the can no longer withstands the pressure it could blow.
BigWantsYourCar said: “Many drivers are surprised to learn that something as simple as a can of cola or a damp towel can lead to significant damage.
“It’s especially common during heatwaves when people leave items in the car after a day at the beach, gym or park.”
Aerosol cans
Similarly to fizzy drinks, it is also possible that the pressure inside an aerosol can will uncontrollably rise in hot temperatures.
If this pressure gets too high, the can could completely collapse, possibly leading to a serious issue.
As well as causing damage to the inside of a vehicle, it could also be a road safety risk if the can explodes next to the driver.
Makeup
Summer is the time of festivals, garden parties and pub get-togethers with friends, so makeup is likely to be on hand.
However, leaving lipstick, mascara or foundation inside a hot car could cause the makeup to melt.
It would probably be easiest to get all dressed up in the comfort of your home and then head out rather than try last-minute styling in the car park.
