Motorists have been urged to remove six items from their cars ahead of the UK’s latest heatwave this weekend. Markus Lindblad, a leading expert at Haypp, stressed taking common household items out of a hot car interior was vital ahead of the next bout of hot weather.
According to the Met Office, temperatures will start to rise in London from Friday, with temperatures to hit 31 Celsius, However, the hottest conditions are expected over Saturday and Sunday, with predictions suggesting highs of 32 Celsius. In hot weather, common items such as fizzy drinks cans, medication and suncream could all be affected and are firmly placed on Markus’ list.
Even sunglasses could be a major worry with frames at risk of breaking if they are left sitting in direct sunlight inside a vehicle.
Markus said: “When exposed to extreme temperatures, the heat can warp or even break the frame or the lenses, as well as cause the lenses to crack. To be safe, keep them in a case during the hot weather and in a cool shaded place.”
Motorists may have to keep medicines close by when travelling but keeping these inside a car is not a good idea.
Markus warned that everyday medications, such as inhalers, antibiotics, and insulin, “can become less effective when exposed to extreme heat”.
Meanwhile, he warned that suncream can "break down” in high temperatures making it less effective at protecting the skin from UV rays.
Those on birth control are also at risk in hot weather, with condoms and contraceptive pills less effective if they are stored in the wrong environment.
Next, Markus warned that fizzy drinks cans could explode in hot weather in a serious safety risk for road users and passengers.
The leading expert stressed that when a can is exposed to extreme heat, the carbon dioxide can expand and even pop the container.
Finally, the specialist highlighted the risks of leaving vapes inside a vehicle with batteries at risk of swelling and leaking.
Markus added: “If you leave your vape in a hot car for a long period of time, then it’s important to cool the vape down safely by placing it in a cool dark place.
“Alternatively, wipe it down with a cold damp cloth and let it air dry. If your vape has overheated, do not, under any circumstances, place the vape in water to cool it down, as this could increase the risk of the battery exploding.”
