Warning: Don’t Leave Vapes in Cars (Fire & Insurance Risk)
As the seasons change, drivers are being issued an urgent warning about a common item often left behind in vehicles: the electronic cigarette, or vape. Whether facing a winter chill or a summer heatwave, experts caution that extreme temperatures can turn these devices into ticking time bombs, posing risks of fire, explosion, and costly damage to car interiors that might not be covered by insurance.
The Dangers of the Winter Chill
With colder weather approaching, Markus Lindblad, director at nicotine retailer Haypp, has highlighted specific dangers. The primary concern revolves around the lithium-ion batteries found in most vape devices. If a battery freezes and is then recharged without being allowed to properly warm up first, it can malfunction and overheat, potentially leading to a fire. This risk is significantly heightened with non-compliant or black-market vapes that lack rigorous safety standards.
Beyond fire risks, extreme cold can cause the e-liquid (vape juice) to thicken, freeze, or expand. This often compromises the device’s seals, leading to leaks. Sticky e-liquid seeping into upholstery can cause stubborn stains, and if it infiltrates air vents or electrical components, it could result in expensive repair bills. Cold also permanently degrades battery lifespan and damages internal components like coils and screens.
The Perils of a Hot Car
While cold is damaging, heat can be explosive. Leaving a vape in a car on a sunny day is arguably even more dangerous. The interior temperature of a parked car can escalate rapidly, reaching double the outside temperature in minutes. Lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to heat; when exposed to temperatures above 50°C (122°F), they can enter a state known as “thermal runaway.” This is a chain reaction where the battery generates more heat than it can dissipate, potentially leading to venting (releasing toxic gas), fire, or even an explosion.
Additionally, heat thins the e-liquid, making it much more likely to leak through the tank’s airflow holes, creating a messy and potentially damaging spill. Direct sunlight can also degrade the nicotine, ruining the vaping experience.
Warning Signs and Insurance Risks
Drivers should be aware that damage caused by leaving a vape in a car might be deemed “negligence” by some insurance providers, potentially complicating claims for fire or interior damage. It is crucial to recognize the signs of a compromised device:
- Bulging or Swelling: If the device or battery looks puffy, the internal chemicals are expanding. Do not use it.
- Hissing Sounds: This indicates the battery is venting gas and is in a critical state.
- Excessive Heat: If the device feels hot to the touch even when not in use, place it on a non-flammable surface immediately.
Storage Advice for Drivers
The best practice is to always remove vapes from the car, regardless of the season. However, if leaving it is unavoidable during colder months, Lindblad suggests insulating the device by wrapping it in clothing and storing it in the glove box. In summer, never leave a vape in direct sunlight; keep it in a cool, shaded place, but ideally, take it with you. Keeping vapes at room temperature is the only way to ensure safety and device longevity.
Ecigator is one of the well-known vape brands spun off from FM Technology Co., Ltd, it’s an ISO-certified disposable vape manufacturer for OEMs, ODMs, and OBM since 2010. The founder team comes from top firms with more than 10 years of experience in the vaping industry and has devoted thousands of hours to providing users with a better and better experience.
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