As a heatwave continues across the country, the interior of parked cars is becoming increasingly dangerous. Items that are usually left in vehicles can pose risks of fire or explosion when exposed to high temperatures.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, temperatures nationwide are expected to remain above average for the time being. In particular, some areas of Busan and parts of Gyeongnam, including Yangsan, Changwon, Gimhae, and Miryang, are forecasted to experience a maximum perceived temperature of 38 degrees Celsius, with actual temperatures exceeding 39 degrees, prompting a heatwave warning.
The temperature inside a car rises much faster and higher than the outside temperature. When the outside temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius, the interior can reach as high as 85 degrees.
The first items to remove from your car should be disposable lighters and aerosol products like sprays. When exposed to high temperatures, the pressure inside these containers can increase or deform, leading to gas leaks and potential fires when they come into contact with ignition sources. This also applies to car air fresheners, insecticides, sunscreen sprays, and cooling sprays.
Power banks are another significant risk. Lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to heat. Excessive temperatures can not only degrade battery performance but also increase the risk of fire in products with internal defects or damage.
It is advisable not to leave electronic devices with lithium-ion batteries, such as smartphones and tablets, in a sunlit car for extended periods.
Canned carbonated beverages also require caution. As temperatures rise, the pressure inside the can increases, which can lead to deformation or, in severe cases, rupture.
In contrast, bottled water, often mentioned online, should be viewed differently than lighters or sprays. Water left in a hot car does not immediately turn into a 'toxic substance' or necessarily explode. However, PET bottles can degrade faster when exposed to high temperatures and UV light over time, making it unwise to use a hot car as a storage place.
Particularly, if the water bottle has already been opened, it is better to avoid drinking it after it has been left in high temperatures for a long time. Microorganisms can enter during the opening process, and maintaining high temperatures does not provide a hygienic storage environment.
Cosmetics and sunglasses are more at risk of 'degradation and damage' than fire. Leaving cosmetics in a hot car for extended periods can cause separation of ingredients or changes in color and scent. Heat-sensitive products like lipsticks or stick-type items may melt or deform. Glasses and sunglasses can also suffer damage to lens coatings or frames with repeated exposure to high temperatures.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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