With temperatures set to exceed 30°C in parts of the UK this weekend, drivers are being urged to remove six everyday items from their vehicles to avoid damage, injury, or even explosions. The Met Office has warned that some areas could reach heatwave criteria, and inside a car, temperatures can soar to 50°C within 30 minutes when it's 30°C outside.
Medication is top of the list: when stored above 25°C for long periods, some drugs lose effectiveness, and antibiotics or adrenaline shots like EpiPens can become completely ineffective or dangerous. Always check storage instructions if you need to take medication with you.
Fizzy drinks in cans or bottles can explode in the heat, creating a sticky mess. Even juice cartons may burst. To avoid damage to your car's interior, remove all sugary drinks before the heatwave hits.
Smartphones are also vulnerable: heat can degrade batteries, warp screens, and in extreme cases cause fires. Experts at Simply Mac warn that heat stress can lead to malfunctions and shorten the device's lifespan. Never leave your phone in a hot car.
Sunglasses left on the dashboard can warp or discolour, and lenses may distort. Keep them in a case in the glove box or take them with you. Sunscreen, ironically, can break down in high temperatures, losing its effectiveness and potentially bursting its bottle. The Sunday Times reports that heat can make it practically useless.
Finally, plastic water bottles can leach harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates into the water when left in a hot car. Switch to BPA-free, glass, or metal bottles to protect your health.
