Drivers told to take item out of car ‘every time’ or risk ‘explosion’ | UK | News

People across the UK are being urged not to leave one particular item inside their car every time they get out this week, as the third heatwave of the year arrives. The warning comes as temperatures are forecast to reach 30C or more over the coming days, and leaving the item in a car could risk an “explosion”.

As warmer temperatures once again hit the UK, experts are urging drivers not to leave their vapes in the car. The significant change in temperature can lead to the vape battery exploding, causing a fire and resulting in £1,000s worth of damage and risk to health.

Markus Lindblad, Head of Legal and External Affairs from Haypp, has shared the dangers of leaving vapes in a car as the weather starts to get warmer. He also explains what to do if your vape overheats.

On a hot day, the inside of a parked car can become 30C to 40C warmer than the temperature outside. When a car is closed up, the glass acts like a greenhouse, trapping sunlight and making the temperature rise rapidly within just a few minutes.

Can a vape battery explode in hot weather?

Markus says: “All vapes require a battery to function, and these batteries are very sensitive to any extreme change in temperature, especially heat. If you leave your vape in the car, and it’s exposed to the sun for a long period of time, then the vape battery is at risk of swelling, leaking and in some cases, can potentially cause the battery to explode.”

Can a vape leak juice?

Markus says that the extreme temperature conditions in a car can cause the e-liquid inside vapes to thin, or the vape tank can expand which causes leaks. A leaking vape will not only cause a sticky mess within the car interior and be difficult to clean, but in some cases it can also cause irritation to the skin too. “If the vape has leaked in the car then it’s advised not to use it and dispose of it correctly”, he said.

Can leaving a vape in extreme heat damage it?

Markus says: “Leaving a vape exposed to heat can also damage parts of the vapes, impacting the performance of the device, reducing the battery lifespan, and ruining the coils, screen or tank.”

Would I be able to claim on insurance if my vape caused a fire?

If a vape causes a car fire, owners may not be able to claim on their insurance. Markus says: “Some policies might have clauses that exclude coverage for fires caused by vaping devices, arguing that you increased the vehicle’s fire risk, resulting in the car owner paying £1,000s worth of damage.”

What to do if you leave your vape in the car?

If you leave your vape in a hot car for a long period of time, then it’s important to cool the vape down safely by placing it in a cool dark place, says Markus. He adds: “Alternatively, wipe it down with a cold damp cloth and let it air dry. If your vape has overheated, do not, under any circumstances, place the vape in water to cool it down, as this could increase the risk of the battery exploding.”

Where is the best place to leave a vape in a car?

It’s always best to take a vape out of the car, Markus says. If this is not possible, then it’s advised to either park in a shady spot, or place it in the glove box out of direct sunlight. Vapes should be kept at room temperature, so any fluctuations or sudden temperature changes can damage the battery and pose a fire hazard.

Can you vape while driving in the UK?

Vaping while behind the wheel isn’t directly illegal in the UK. But if a vapour cloud makes it hard to see or if you’re distracted by the device, the police might charge you for ‘driving without due care and attention.’ This can lead to fines ranging from £100 and three penalty points to as much as £2,500 and a possible driving ban.