Drivers urged to remove 10 items from the car before Sunday

With the US set to be hit by a heatwave this weekend, drivers have been advised to remove certain items from their vehicles to avoid damage or potential dangers

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Drivers have been urged to remove 10 common items from their cars before the heatwave hits.

The National Weather Service warned the heat dome will bring stifling temperatures and uncomfortable humidity to millions this weekend.

Temperatures will be highest this weekend across wide stretches of Nebraska, Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. The humid conditions will make places that exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Drivers are being urged to clear their vehicles of everyday items that can become dangerous or damaged in the heat. Parked cars exposed to soaring temperatures rapidly heat up, meaning there are a number of objects that could be severely damaged or even pose risks to your health and safety - and wallet - if left behind.

Here are 10 items you should take out of your car before the heatwave hits on Wednesday.

1. Bottled water

While it might seem convenient to have a bottle of water at hand, research has shown that plastic bottles left in hot cars can actually release harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates into the water as the temperature increases. For your health, carry your water bottle with you when leaving your vehicle for extended periods, or switch to a BPA-free, glass, or metal bottle, reports the Mirror.

2. Smartphones and tablets

Electronic gadgets are particularly susceptible to heat damage. Batteries can deteriorate, screens may distort, and in severe instances, devices might even ignite.

As per the tech experts at Simply Mac, heat stress can cause your phone's internal components to malfunction, reducing its overall lifespan. If you've ever seen an overheating warning on your phone, you know how rapidly it can occur, so never abandon them in your car during a heatwave.

3. Vapes and e-cigarettes

Vapes and e-cigarettes house batteries that are sensitive to high temperatures. Excessive heat can lead these batteries to leak, expand, and even explode, potentially causing harm, damaging your vehicle, and voiding your insurance.

Some insurance policies even have clauses excluding coverage for fires ignited by vaping devices. Vaping experts also caution that elevated car temperatures can alter the taste, consistency, and potency of your e-liquid - hence, it's wise to carry all your vaping gear with you when exiting your car.

4. Sunscreen

Ironically, sunscreen, a product intended to shield you from the sun, can become ineffective and messy if left in a hot car. Extreme heat can degrade the active ingredients in sunscreen, rendering it less potent, and bottles might even burst, leaving a sticky mess, according to The Sunday Times.

To prevent your sunscreen from spoiling, it's advisable to keep it away from direct sunlight and take it out of the car.

5. Aerosol Canisters and Lighters

Aerosol canisters like deodorants and hairsprays are pressurized and can explode if they're exposed to temperatures above 48°C. This could not only create a mess but also potentially cause injury and damage your car's interior.

Disposable lighters share a similar risk, as they can explode in hot cars - some have even been known to crack windshields when they detonate due to heat.

6. Wine

Attention, wine enthusiasts - leaving a bottle in a hot car can completely spoil its taste (let's be honest, no one wants a warm glass of Malbec). More concerning is the fact that excessive heat can lead to the formation of potentially harmful chemicals like ethyl carbamate, which can be carcinogenic in high doses.

So always remember to take your wine with you, especially during warmer weather.

7. Sunglasses

Avoid ruining your favorite pair of sunglasses by leaving them on the dashboard. Sunglasses - even high-quality, expensive ones - can warp and discolor when left in direct sunlight inside a car.

Even the lenses can distort under intense temperatures, so ensure you store them in a case in the glove box to avoid the heat, or carry them with you to prevent costly replacements.

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8. Medication

Certain medications can lose their potency if kept above 25°C for extended periods. Some, like antibiotics and adrenaline injections (such as EpiPens), can become entirely ineffective or even hazardous when subjected to high heat.

Hence, it's crucial to always review the storage guidelines when you need to bring your medication with you.

9. Lipstick

Numerous makeup items, particularly lipstick, are susceptible to melting in hot conditions, which not only spoils the product but can also stain your car's interior. To prevent a tedious clean-up (and squandering your cash), it's advisable to put on your makeup before a lengthy drive and take all your cosmetics with you when you exit your vehicle.

10. Sugary drinks

Cans and bottles of carbonated beverages can burst in hot cars, creating quite the sticky situation. Even juice boxes can rupture when exposed to sustained heat.

Therefore, it's smart to remove all drinks from your car during a heatwave.