Cars are more prone, to catching fire in areas with warm climates like India. With the increasing heat during summer and frequent heatwaves, it's important for car owners to be mindful of fire risks within their vehicles. A recent incident where a Mahindra Thar caught fire in Rajasthan serves as a reminder of the need to take precautions to reduce dangers. Drivers should be mindful of what objects or materials they have in their cars, that can catch fire and hence, cause damage to their cars. Here are five things that should not be left in a car for periods to prevent fire hazards;
1. Lighters
Lighters, whether for cigarettes or gas are flammable and pose a significant risk of fire when exposed to high temperatures. The metal parts inside these lighters can easily explode when heated potentially causing damage to car interiors. It is recommended not to leave lighters inside a car during hot or even warm weather. Make sure you take your lighters with you while leaving and locking your cars to prevent them from bursting and causing fire in the car.
2. Spray Cans
Gas canisters and aerosol spray cans are highly flammable. These cans contain certain flammable gases in them and should be handled carefully in warm weather conditions. The pressure inside these cans increases quickly as temperatures rise which could result in an explosion. Movement of the vehicle, during weather can further increase the risk of these canisters bursting. Moreover, leaking gas from these containers inside a car space can turn the vehicle into a dangerous area with the risk of catching fire.
Apart, from lighters and fuel cans, there are some common daily use items that shouldn't be kept in a car due to the fire hazard they pose. Here are some of these things that could be risky when exposed to temperatures;
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3. Fragrance Bottles
Many car owners in India tend to place perfume bottles or sprays on their car's dashboards or center console for a scent. However, perfumes usually contain a high alcohol concentration, which can evaporate when exposed to sunlight and heat in the car. The alcohol vapor trapped inside the vehicle can be flammable. Pose a fire hazard. Therefore it is recommended not to leave perfume bottles in a car during weather.
4. Hand Sanitizers
With the rise of the Covid 19 pandemic hand sanitizer use became quite often. People carry and use sanitizers and often store them in their bags, and their cars as well. This increased use including inside vehicles, for cleanliness purposes, may cause a threat to you and your car. Sanitizers often have an amount of ethyl alcohol making them highly flammable. Leaving sanitizer bottles in a car can raise the temperature and speed up alcohol evaporation increasing the risk of fire. Hence, it is important to keep sanitizers in a shaded place to reduce the risk of fire incidents.
5. Regarding batteries
Although batteries are commonly associated with vehicles traditional combustion engine cars also house batteries that power components. Batteries found in devices, like smartphones and power banks are sensitive to temperatures and direct sunlight. Excessive heat exposure can lead to battery malfunctions, leaks, or even fires due to overheating. Therefore it is crucial not to leave devices or gadgets containing batteries in vehicles to prevent potential fire hazards. Hence, make sure you don’t forget your phone in your car, and do not store other batteries in your car while locking it.
By being aware of these fire risks and taking precautions such as refraining from storing items inside a vehicle during heat owners can increase safety measures and lower the chances of fire incidents. It's important to be cautious and attentive in ensuring the safety of both individuals and property in situations. Being careful and avoiding storing items inside vehicles during weather can help reduce fire risks and improve vehicle safety. Prioritizing safety measures and staying informed are essential, for minimizing fire hazards and safeguarding both occupants and the vehicle.
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