Motorists across the UK are being urged to check their vehicles for aerosol cans and remove them immediately, as soaring temperatures this week could cause the pressurised containers to become unstable and potentially explode inside parked cars.
The warning comes as the Met Office issues heat-health alerts covering large parts of England and Wales, with forecasters predicting temperatures that could push vehicle interiors well beyond safe limits when parked in direct sunlight. Experts warn that the inside of a car can exceed 50C even when outside temperatures are significantly lower, creating conditions in which everyday items can become genuinely dangerous.
Aerosol cans — including deodorants, dry shampoos and cleaning sprays — are particularly at risk. The Health and Safety Executive classifies aerosols as pressurised containers and advises they should be kept away from heat and direct sunlight at all times, as rising internal pressure can lead to leaks, ruptures or in rare cases explosive failure. The risk is compounded by the fact that many aerosol products contain flammable propellants, meaning any breach of the container inside a confined space such as a car could also create a fire hazard, according to the Express.
The UK Health Security Agency has repeatedly warned that vehicles can become hazardous environments during heatwaves, advising the public to avoid leaving heat-sensitive items in parked cars for prolonged periods. Motoring organisations add that electronics, lighters and sunscreen can also be affected by extreme heat, but aerosols are singled out as the most significant concern due to their pressurised nature.
Drivers are being advised to check glove compartments, door pockets and rear seats carefully before leaving vehicles in the sun, particularly during the hottest parts of the day as the heatwave intensifies across the week.
