Temperatures are forecast to reach 30C and above by mid-week (stock image) (Image: Getty)
Drivers across the UK are being urged to remove a certain item from their cars before the middle of the week as temperatures are forecast to reach 30C and higher. The country is currently entering its fifth widespread heatwave of the year this week, with the hot weather expected to peak across Wednesday and Thursday.
On those two days, the Met Office says temperatures could peak between 34°C and 36°C, especially in central, southern, and south-eastern England. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber warnings for much of England. These warnings will remain in effect until Friday evening due to high and extreme temperatures.
Heatwaves are quickly becoming a regular occurrence during UK summers. While Brits often focus on personal comfort and staying safe, high temperatures also pose serious, easy-to-miss risks for drivers and their vehicles.
A parked car can become dangerously hot much faster than most people realise. According to research from Stanford University, the interior temperature rises most rapidly during the first 30 minutes in the sun. Within just one hour, the inside of a car can reach 47°C, this can happen even on a mild day of 22°C.
Extreme heat affects more than just your comfort; it impacts the physical condition of your car and the road. High temperatures put extra pressure on engines, batteries, and tyres. Heat can cause road surfaces to soften, changing how your car handles.
Dogs are at the highest risk when left in a hot car. Items left inside the car can also become dangerous or be damaged by the intense heat.
Many common items can get ruined or turn hazardous in the heat. When you leave your car in direct sunlight on a hot day, the inside can heat up much more than the temperature outside. One particular item that shouldn’t be left in cars when a heatwave hits is medication.
According to advice shared by online car-buying service WeBuyAnyCar: “Some medicines need to be stored below 25°C or in the fridge, following the storage instructions on the packaging. Many medications, including insulin and other injectable treatments, are sensitive to heat, so check the official guidance to confirm how to store them safely.
“If you need to travel with heat-sensitive medication, keep it with you rather than leaving it in a parked car, ideally in an insulated cool bag or cool box, to stop it getting too hot. Always follow the manufacturer’s storage guidance.”
Certain medications are more susceptible to temperature changes than others. Extreme heat can degrade active ingredients, rendering essential medications such as insulin, inhalers, and EpiPens ineffective or unsafe.
Store medications at the temperature indicated on the label. Most of them should be kept in a cool, dry area.
What to remove from your car before parking in the heat (stock image) (Image: Getty)
What common types of medication are sensitive to heat?
Insulin. Loses structural stability and chemical potency very quickly, rendering it ineffective for blood sugar control.
Adrenaline auto-injectors. Heat breaks down the epinephrine inside, compromising emergency delivery during severe allergic reactions.
Metered-Dose inhalers. Pressurised canisters can malfunction, leak propellants, or burst under extreme cabin temperatures.
Nitroglycerin tablets. The active compound evaporates rapidly in high heat, leading to total treatment failure for angina.
Liquid medications and suspensions. High temperatures cause phase separation, altering concentration and destroying active chemical properties.
Just because a medicine looks normal doesn’t mean it’s fine if it has been stored in heat. It could actually be less effective than it should be. If you have any questions or concerns, speak to your GP or pharmacist.
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What other items should be removed from cars during a heatwave?
To stay safe and avoid damage when parking in hot weather, drivers should also remove the following items from their car:
- Electronics and batteries
- Pressurised items
- Food and drink
- Important documents
Phones, sat navs, power banks, vapes, and dash cams can leak, degrade, or explode due to heat. Disposable batteries can also leak acid, potentially damaging your vehicle’s upholstery.
Aerosols like deodorant, hairspray, and sunscreen are at risk of exploding as pressure builds up. Disposable lighters also carry an ignition risk if the gas inside expands. Canned carbonated drinks can burst under pressure, and plastic water bottles may release harmful chemicals when heated.
Passports, ID documents, and other paperwork can warp or fade in high temperatures. Leaving these items in your car also increases the risk of theft and identity fraud.
What other items are easy to forget about?
- Sunglasses, which can warp or discolour if left on the dashboard in direct sunlight
- Makeup, particularly lipstick, which can melt and stain the car’s interior
- Hand sanitiser, which often contains flammable alcohol
- Pens, which can burst and leak ink that’s difficult to clean up
- Glasses with curved lenses, including prescription glasses and sunglasses, which can occasionally concentrate sunlight like a magnifying glass and pose a small fire risk
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