As scorching weather sweeps across Britain, experts are urging motorists to immediately remove vapes from their vehicles. Temperatures are forecast to reach nearly 30°C today, with even hotter conditions anticipated over the coming days. The Met Office has issued a red extreme heat warning for certain parts of the UK on Wednesday, with amber alerts in force elsewhere.
Why Vapes Are Dangerous in Hot Cars
Markus Lindblad, Head of Legal & External Affairs at Haypp, outlined the dangers of leaving vapes in a vehicle as temperatures climb. All vapes depend on a battery to function, and these batteries are extremely susceptible to severe changes in temperature, especially heat. If a vape is left in a car and exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period, the battery risks swelling, leaking, and in certain cases, could potentially explode.
The searing heat inside a stationary car can also cause the e-liquid within vapes to become thinner, or the vape tank may expand, leading to leaks. A leaking vape will not only leave a sticky mess throughout the car's interior that proves difficult to clean, but in some instances may also cause skin irritation.
What to Do If Your Vape Overheats
If a vape is discovered to have leaked inside your vehicle, it is strongly recommended that you refrain from using it and dispose of it in a responsible manner. Subjecting a vape to excessive heat can also cause considerable damage to its internal components, impairing the device's performance, reducing battery life, and destroying the coils, screen or tank.
If you have left your vape in a sweltering car for a prolonged period, it is vital to cool the device down carefully by placing it in a cool, dark spot. Alternatively, wipe it down with a cold, damp cloth and leave it to air dry. Should your vape have overheated, do not, under any circumstances, submerge it in water to reduce the temperature, as this could considerably increase the risk of the battery exploding.
Insurance Risks from Vape Fires
Should a vape spark a car fire, vehicle owners may find themselves unable to make a successful insurance claim. Certain policies may include clauses that exclude cover for fires caused by vaping devices, on the basis that the owner increased the vehicle's fire risk, potentially leaving them facing thousands of pounds in repair costs.
