AN URGENT warning has been issued over a common item you should never leave in your car.
Forecasters have predicted rising temperatures as July turns to August, leaving drivers at more risk of damage costing £1,000s.
As the mercury is set to rise this summer experts have urged drivers to avoid leaving plastic water bottles in their cars.
Leaving a bottle of water – housed in a clear container – can be a recipe for disaster if the sun hits it just right.
Administrative Major for the Midwest City Fire Department in the US, David Richardson, told how a bottle of plastic water could actually start a fire.
He said: “The chances are pretty small, but they’re not impossible.”
Major Richardson tested this method in 2017, using a piece of paper with a black rectangle printed on it.
During his demonstration he angled the bottle in a certain way so the light from the sun hit it just right.
Suddenly the concentrated heat burned a hole in the paper.
And drinking from bottles that have been left in a warm car can be potentially dangerous.
Expert Dr. Stephanie Widmer told ABC News that the bottle’s chemical composition can change in the heat and the water could be contaminated with dangerous toxins.
Meanwhile experts from CarLease have urged Brits to check their air conditioning every day, even when it’s cold, to get ahead of the heat.
Leaving the air con alone for extended periods can mean issues go undetected until the cool air is desperately needed.
From foul odours to reduced power, it’s vital to keep your air con in tip-top shape all year round so that, when the heat does come, you can chill down with ease.
The expert team said: “Traffic jams and sweltering cars can be a recipe for disaster if your air conditioning isn’t functioning properly.
“To avoid frustration, do regular checks and test the airflow within the vehicle by running the AC to its highest settings.
“Observe the type of air blowing out – is it weak or, even worse, hot?
“Listen for any unusual noises coming from your car’s AC system as it could be signs of problems such as a broken condenser or fan belt, which would require professional attention.”
