UK vapers warned heatwave poses 'battery explosion' risk

UK vapers warned heatwave poses 'battery explosion' risk As the UK heatwave continues, experts are warning drivers not to leave their vape in the car Motorists across the UK are being warned not to leave one particular item in their car this week, as the country braces itself for its third heatwave of the year. The caution comes as temperatures are expected to soar to 30C or above over the next few days, with experts warning that leaving the item inside a vehicle could trigger an "explosion". As the scorching conditions return to the UK, specialists are urging drivers to keep their vapes out of their cars. The dramatic shift in temperature can cause the vape battery to explode, sparking a fire and potentially resulting in £1,000s worth of damage, as well as serious health risks. Markus Lindblad, Head of Legal and External Affairs from Haypp, has highlighted the hazards of leaving vapes in a vehicle as temperatures begin to climb. He also offers advice on what to do should your vape overheat, reports the Express. On a sweltering day, the interior of a parked car can reach temperatures 30C to 40C higher than outside. When a car is sealed shut, the glass acts like a greenhouse, trapping sunlight and causing the temperature to soar rapidly within just minutes. Can a vape battery explode in hot weather? Markus says: "All vapes require a battery to function, and these batteries are very sensitive to any extreme change in temperature, especially heat. If you leave your vape in the car, and it's exposed to the sun for a long period of time, then the vape battery is at risk of swelling, leaking and in some cases, can potentially cause the battery to explode." Can a vape leak juice? Markus explains that the extreme temperature fluctuations inside a car can cause the e-liquid in vapes to become runny, or the vape tank to expand, resulting in leaks. A leaking vape won't just create a sticky mess that's tricky to clean from your car's interior, but in certain instances, it can also cause skin irritation. If the vape has leaked in the car then it's advised not to use it and dispose of it correctly", he said. Can leaving a vape in extreme heat damage it? Markus says: "Leaving a vape exposed to heat can also damage parts of the vapes, impacting the performance of the device, reducing the battery lifespan, and ruining the coils, screen or tank." Would I be able to claim on insurance if my vape caused a fire? Should a vape trigger a car fire, owners may find themselves unable to make an insurance claim. Markus says: "Some policies might have clauses that exclude coverage for fires caused by vaping devices, arguing that you increased the vehicle's fire risk, resulting in the car owner paying £1,000s worth of damage." What to do if you leave your vape in the car? If your vape has been left in a sweltering car for a prolonged period, Markus advises cooling it down safely by placing it somewhere cool and dark. He adds: "Alternatively, wipe it down with a cold damp cloth and let it air dry. If your vape has overheated, do not, under any circumstances, place the vape in water to cool it down, as this could increase the risk of the battery exploding." Where is the best place to leave a vape in a car? Markus advises that it's always preferable to remove a vape from the car entirely. If that's not an option, parking in a shaded area or storing it in the glove box away from direct sunlight is recommended. Vapes should be kept at room temperature, as temperature fluctuations or sudden changes can damage the battery and pose a fire risk. Can you vape while driving in the UK? Vaping at the wheel isn't directly against the law in the UK. However, if a cloud of vapour obstructs your vision or the device causes distraction, police could charge you with 'driving without due care and attention. This could result in fines ranging from £100 and three penalty points to as much as £2,500 and a potential driving ban.