Items you shouldn't leave in car during heatwave – from sunglasses to bottled water

As the UK basks in a series of heatwaves this summer, motorists are being urged to check their vehicles for potentially hazardous items before the next scorcher arrives. With temperatures set to soar in the coming week, leaving certain items in your car could pose a risk.

While it's common knowledge that pets and people should never be left in hot cars, one car expert warns that other items can also become dangerous when left in a vehicle during a heatwave. Some essentials for hot weather should not be left in your car, so extra caution is needed when travelling in these conditions.

The expert behind the Capturing Cars TikTok account, a car photographer and former car salesman, highlighted some items that could become hazardous if left in a hot car for extended periods.

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1. Bottled water

Although it's crucial to keep water handy in hot weather to stay hydrated, consider using a reusable bottle instead. Bacteria can thrive in an open plastic water bottle, as they flourish in hot and humid conditions.

The motoring specialist revealed that BPA found in disposable plastic containers can seep into water when temperatures soar, though concerns about dangerous chemicals entering your drink are frequently overstated.

Nevertheless, it's advisable to opt for reusable bottles to prevent bacterial contamination, particularly since plastic containers can focus sunlight and create a fire risk.

2. Sunglasses

Donning sunglasses whilst driving is typically recommended to guarantee clear vision of the carriageway without squinting in bright sunshine.

Yet you should never abandon your specs on the dashboard.

The specialist explained: "The sunlight shining through onto them can melt the frames or at least distort the plastic frames. Distorting the frames can often crack the lenses, and you could ruin a perfectly good pair of sunglasses. Which I have done in the past."

3. Suncream

Bright conditions mean applying sun protection, though you must avoid storing it in your motor.

Countless drivers keep a compact bottle of suncream in their glovebox throughout summer for urgent situations, yet this approach proves counterproductive and may reduce the product's effectiveness.

Whilst suncream gets utilised during warmer months, elevated temperatures can compromise the active components within the lotion, potentially failing to deliver the protection level stated on the packaging.

Sun protection should remain in a cool, dry location within your home, then collected only when required.

4. Medication

Scorching and freezing temperatures can interfere with your medicines and reduce their effectiveness.

The NHS states that drugs classified as "ambient medication" must be kept at room temperature, meaning anywhere from 15°C to 25°C.

Vehicles can rapidly surpass this threshold during sweltering days, so you ought to remove them from your motor and place them somewhere more temperate.

This encompasses medicines such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, alongside more specialist treatments like insulin.

The specialist explained: "Particularly things like insulin, if you need that, don't leave it in the car. The heat can ruin any kind of active ingredients in any medication."

5. Power banks or mobile phones

Lastly, the specialist cautioned against abandoning your mobile in your vehicle for extended periods, along with any portable chargers you might utilise to keep it powered.

Most individuals will grab their phone when exiting the car, but portable chargers can also pose risks when abandoned in a sweltering motor.

He revealed that whilst he's never encountered problems with portable chargers personally, they can "explode" in extreme heat, so it's always wise to play it safe and store them somewhere cool.

He continued: "For me, they're always in a camera bag in the boot of the car, so away from direct sunlight. I would definitely say don't keep them in direct sunlight."