20 Dangerous Items All Drivers Should Clean Up Immediately UK News

As lockdown restrictions continue to ease across the UK, motorists will use cars significantly more.

But drivers are warned of 20 items that could pose a serious risk while driving and are warned to clean them from their vehicles.

Experts at Tire Runner have put together a list of 20 things that shouldn’t be left in the car, including summer-specific items, daily gadgets, food and drink, health-related items and family specific examples.

Bryan MacMillan of Tire Runner said, “Now that restrictions are easing and another holiday is just around the corner, many people are considering leaving their area to make the most of the long weekend.

“However, after our trip, our vehicles can end up being filled with trash, things we forgot or items that we think might be useful at some point.

“Although for the most part this is just to make your car look messy, there are several items that can actually be quite dangerous if left in your car, and some of them might surprise you…”

He added, “We hope this information will be of use to drivers across the country – please keep these tips in mind on your next road trip, whether it’s going to local stores or traveling on a road trip. little further. ”

Here is a list of items that you should immediately clean from your car:

Specific to summer

• (Sun glasses
• Solar cream
• Wet beach items – like swimsuits and towels

Now that the restrictions are easing, many people are organizing beach trips, picnics and barbecues to reunite with family and friends while enjoying the beautiful spring weather.

However, while emptying your car after a day in the sun is often the last thing on your mind, it can be very important.

For example, the active ingredients in sunscreen can break down at high temperatures, reducing the effectiveness of the protection, so they should not be left in the car for extended periods of time. Instead, sunscreen should be stored in a cool, dry place.

Everyday items

• Electronics – Battery powered devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc.
• Purse / wallet

Many know that leaving valuables, such as your phone or laptop, in your car is a risk of theft, but few are aware that leaving your electronics in your car on a hot day can also damage the devices themselves – same.

Heat can affect mechanisms, such as the battery and processing chips, of your electronic devices, so keep them with you if possible or at home for added safety.

Way of life

• Aerosols (pressurized cans)
• Lighters
• Batteries
• Plants
• Reconcile
• Candles

Even mild temperatures can kill some plants within hours, dehydrating them and causing them stress. If you have multiple errands to run, save money by buying plants for the last stop on the trip so you can get them back inside as soon as possible. Stay in the shade and cool when you are in the car.

Some makeup products, such as lipsticks, will melt at temperatures above room temperature. Lotions and liquids, creams or oil-based products can also start to break down at high temperatures, so they should not be left in your car, especially in hot weather.

Food and drink

• Food
• Drinks
• Plastic bottles

It can be easy to let trash build up in your car… however, it can be fatal in some cases. For example, high temperatures can deteriorate plastic bottles, causing the release of toxic chemicals (BPA and phthalates) that can disrupt normal hormonal function.

These are associated with health problems such as cancer and heart disease, so drinking from a plastic bottle that has been left in your car can be fatal.

Health

• Hand sanitizer
• Medication

Hand sanitizer has become a staple during lockdown – however, if alcohol-based, hand sanitizer can become a fire hazard in hot weather. Additionally, since alcohol evaporates quickly in direct sunlight, hot weather can also impact the actual effectiveness of the product, putting you at risk.

Likewise, high humidity and temperatures can make drugs less effective, which can lead to a life-threatening situation if the drugs are essential or in an emergency.

Family specific

• Your children
• Art supplies
• Your pets
• Pet food

On an extremely serious note, children left alone in cars are at risk for hypothermia (heat loss) and hyperthermia (overheating) because they cannot regulate their body temperature as quickly as adults.

A toddler stuck in a hot car can deteriorate quickly and die within minutes, so they should never be left alone in a car – not even for a minute while you are quickly walking into the store!

Likewise, animals should not be left alone in a vehicle. Dogs primarily control their body temperature by panting – however, when very hot, that panting isn’t always enough to keep them from overheating, and it can be fatal.

For more information on car safety, visit the Tire Runner blog.