With scorching weather sweeping the UK, experts are warning motorists to immediately remove vapes from their cars due to the risk of battery swelling, leaking, or explosion. Temperatures are forecast to reach nearly 30°C, with even hotter conditions expected in the days ahead. The Met Office has issued a red extreme heat warning for certain parts of the UK on Wednesday, alongside amber warnings elsewhere.
Why Vapes Are Dangerous in Hot Cars
Markus Lindblad, Head of Legal & External Affairs at Haypp, outlined the dangers: "All vapes depend on a battery to function, and these batteries are extremely vulnerable to dramatic changes in temperature, especially heat. If you leave your vape in the car and it's exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period, the battery risks swelling, leaking and, in some cases, could potentially explode."
The severe heat inside a stationary car can also cause the e-liquid in vapes to become thinner, or the vape tank may expand, leading to leaks. A leaking vape will not only leave a sticky mess across the car's interior that's difficult to clean, but in some cases 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 highly recommended that you stop using it immediately and dispose of it in a responsible manner. Subjecting a vape to excessive heat can also cause considerable damage to its internal components, reducing the device's performance, cutting short its battery life, and wrecking the coils, screen or tank.
If you have left your vape in a scorching car for a prolonged period, it is crucial 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. Do not, under any circumstances, plunge it into water to bring the temperature down, as this could drastically increase the risk of the battery exploding.
Insurance Risks
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.
