As the UK prepares for a winter freeze, motorists are being cautioned against leaving a common item in their vehicles. The alert comes as it could increase the risk of vehicles catching fire, with potential damage costs running into thousands. Highlighting a key safety rule, Markus Lindblad, director at Haypp, pointed to the dangers of leaving vapes in a car as temperatures begin to drop. He pointed out that in certain situations, if a frozen battery is recharged without being properly warmed up, it could malfunction and overheat, presenting a potential fire hazard.
While this might be a rare event, the risk can be more common with non-compliant or black-market vape devices, which lack regulation and provide no guarantee of safe manufacturing conditions. He also warned drivers about the risk of leaking vape juice. Extreme cold can affect the e-liquid inside the vape, causing it to thicken, freeze or expand, potentially leading to leaks.
If the liquid seeps into your car’s interior, it could stain or damage upholstery and even penetrate vents or electrical components, resulting in costly repairs, reports The Mirror. In addition to this, exposing a vape to cold temperatures can also harm parts of the device, impacting its performance, reducing the battery lifespan and damaging the coils, screen or tank.
What should you do if you leave your vape in the car?
If you’ve left your vape in a cold car for a prolonged period, it’s essential to allow the device to warm up to room temperature. Once it has returned to room temperature, inspect the vape device for any leaks before charging it. If there are leaks, it’s safer to replace the vape and dispose of it properly.
Where should you store a vape in a car?
As previously mentioned, it’s advisable to remove a vape from the car if temperatures are anticipated to fall. If this isn’t something you can do, the expert recommends wrapping it in an item of clothing, such as a jumper or hat, and placing it in the glove box. Remember, vapes should be kept at room temperature, as any sudden changes can damage the battery, increasing the risk of a fire hazard.
Want to quit vaping?
Experts from the NHS stress: “It is important to remember that vaping is not completely harmless. Children and non-smokers should never vape.” If you are ready to quit vaping, you can read an NHS guide on ‘how to quit vaping’ here.
