Motorists have been told to take one popular item out of their vehicles with concerns road users could be in the firing line while sitting behind the wheel during hot weather. Aerosol cans - anything from deodorants to hairsprays - could become unstable when temperatures rise over the summer.
According to experts, heat can cause leaks and in some cases, cause the can to "rupture or explode”. The UK may be over the worst of the heatwave, but the Met Office still predicts temperatures of around 25 Celsius in London over the bank holiday weekend. However, car interiors can quickly cook when parked in direct sunlight, which could see temperatures spiral well above the recommended level.
LeaseLoco explained: “Pressurised aerosol cans - such as deodorants, air fresheners, hairsprays, or cleaning sprays - can become extremely dangerous when left in a hot car.
“As the internal temperature rises, so does the pressure inside the can. If the pressure becomes too great, the can may rupture or explode, posing a serious fire and injury risk. Even if it doesn’t explode, the heat can degrade the contents, reduce performance, and cause leaks.”
Temperatures can rise from 24C (75F) to 38C (100F) if the car is parked in direct sunlight for just ten minutes. Within just half an hour, temperatures can hit as high as 50C (120F) and can occasionally soar to 60C (140F).
WeBuyAnyCar stressed that anything over 50C could be considered dangerous for aerosol cans.
They said: “Many aerosol cans are labelled with a limit to the temperature they can be stored at, often lower than 50°C, which is a threshold which could be easily exceeded in parked cars during the summer months. This includes de-icer spray, which, while safe in your car during the winter, could prove to be hazardous in the heat.”
Motorists who absolutely have to carry aerosol cans in their vehicles should be sure to store them away from direct sunlight. Placing them in the boot or glove box will lower the risk, while placing the cans in the door pockets could block it from direct sunlight.
Experts at Dick Lovett said: "Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines, and if you do need to leave them in the car, make sure they’re stored out of direct sunlight, though it’s best to avoid it altogether where possible.”
