As a winter chill descends upon the UK, motorists are being issued a critical safety alert concerning a common item many leave in their vehicles. Experts have revealed that leaving a vape in a car during cold weather significantly increases the risk of a fire breaking out, with potential repair bills running into thousands of pounds.
The Hidden Dangers of a Frozen Vape
Markus Lindblad, a director at Haypp, has detailed the specific hazards. The core of the problem lies with the device's lithium-ion battery. "In certain instances, if a frozen battery is recharged without being adequately warmed up, it could malfunction and overheat, posing a potential fire hazard," Lindblad explained. He further stressed that this risk is substantially heightened with non-compliant or black-market vape devices, which lack proper regulation and offer no assurance of safe manufacturing standards.
Leaking E-Liquid and Internal Damage
Beyond the fire risk, drivers face another expensive problem: leaking vape juice. The severe cold affects the e-liquid inside the vape, causing it to thicken, freeze, or expand, which can lead to leaks. If this liquid seeps into a car's interior, it can stain or permanently damage upholstery. More alarmingly, it can infiltrate air vents or critical electrical components, resulting in complex and expensive repairs.
Exposure to cold temperatures also harms the vape device itself. The performance can be impacted, the battery's lifespan reduced, and delicate components like the coils, screen, or tank can be damaged.
What Should You Do With Your Vape?
If you have accidentally left your vape in a cold car, it is crucial not to use it immediately. Allow the device to return to room temperature naturally. Once it is no longer cold to the touch, check it thoroughly for any signs of leakage before even considering charging it. If you discover leaks, it is safer to replace the vape entirely and recycle the old one properly.
For daily storage, the best practice is to remove the vape from your vehicle entirely if temperatures are expected to drop. If that is not possible, the expert suggests a simple mitigation technique: wrap the device in a piece of clothing, such as a jumper or hat, and store it in the glove box. This provides a small layer of insulation. The key is to keep vapes at a stable, room temperature, as sudden changes can damage the battery and increase fire risks.
Separately, the NHS reiterates an important health message: "It is important to remember that vaping is not completely harmless. Children and non-smokers should never vape." For those looking to quit, the NHS provides a dedicated guide on how to stop vaping.
