Millions of drivers told to remove one item from their car as weather turns colder

Millions of drivers told to remove one item from their car as weather turns colder The message comes as a Yellow Cold-Health Alert is in effect for parts of England as Arctic air sends temperatures as low as -7°C With temperatures dropping sharply across the UK, motorists are being warned against leaving one common item in their vehicles, particularly overnight. The advice comes as a Yellow Cold-Health Alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) remains in place for parts of England. The 51-hour warning runs from 9am on Thursday, November 12 until 12pm on Saturday, November 14, 2026. It has been triggered by a blast of Arctic air that is delivering the first major cold snap of the season. Temperatures nationwide are expected to plunge as low as -5°C to -7°C in frost-prone rural locations, while numerous towns and cities will fall below freezing to approximately 0°C to -3°C. Cold conditions present increased risks to adults aged 65 and above, people with existing heart or lung conditions, and rough sleepers. Freezing weather can also impact everyday items left in vehicles during low temperatures. Vapers, for example, are being cautioned that typical winter habits could damage their devices, potentially placing them at risk. An estimated 5.4 to 5.5 million adults in Great Britain currently vape (roughly 10% of the adult population), according to figures from the Office for National Statistics and the Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) survey. Vaping prevalence has now overtaken cigarette smoking amongst adults in Great Britain, reports Yorkshire Live. Dr Marina Murphy, Head of External Affairs UK and Scientific Affairs at Northerner, has highlighted the most common vaping errors to steer clear of this winter. She has also offered advice on how to protect devices as temperatures start to fall. Don't leave your vape in a car It is strongly recommended not to leave your vape in a vehicle overnight when freezing conditions set in. The device's battery can freeze, and if recharged before it has warmed up adequately, it may malfunction and overheat, creating a fire hazard. Cold weather also causes e-liquid to thicken, preventing it from being absorbed by the coil properly, resulting in burnt hits. Fluctuating temperatures can also cause the tank to crack or leak messy fluid across your car's interior. Dr Marina Murphy emphasises the importance of allowing the vape to return to room temperature and checking the device thoroughly for any leaks before charging. If you suspect a leak, it is safer to replace the device entirely to avoid putting yourself in harm's way. Keep it away from radiators As households crank up the heating to stay warm, it is crucial to think carefully about where vape devices are kept. While using a vape in a heated room poses no danger, leaving a device directly next to a hot radiator or fire can subject its battery to extreme heat. Instead, vapers should store their devices at room temperature, well away from direct heat sources, Dr Marina Murphy advised. Pockets aren't always a safe place Dr Marina Murphy said: "Keeping a vape in your coat pocket can pose a risk if pressure from other items in your pocket, such as gloves, a scarf, or your phone, accidentally activates the device. This can cause the coil to overheat, potentially leading to damage or e-liquid leaks. "To reduce these risks, ensure the device is switched off when not in use and avoid storing it in a pocket that contains metal objects that could damage or accidentally activate the device." Be mindful of temperature changes Dr Marina Murphy warns that moving between the cold outdoors and a warm home or car can cause condensation to form on a vape device, particularly when temperature shifts occur rapidly. While condensation may appear harmless, any moisture around the charging port could potentially compromise both the device's performance and safety. Should condensation appear, leave the device to dry out thoroughly in a safe spot before attempting to use or charge it. To sidestep these cold weather complications altogether, Dr Marina Murphy recommends that vapers consider switching to alternative products such as nicotine pouches.