Think leaving a plastic water bottle in your car is harmless? Think again! Summer heat in Serbia isn’t just uncomfortable — it can literally set your car on fire! An experiment by American firefighters showed that a plastic water bottle left in the sun can focus sunlight into a beam reaching temperatures of up to 100 degrees Celsius. That’s hot enough to ignite dark materials in just seconds! Yes, you read that right — a simple water bottle can become a ticking time bomb in your vehicle.
This isn’t just theory. In July 2023, a utility worker in Idaho noticed smoke coming from his car’s central console. The culprit? A plastic water bottle that, under the sun’s rays, started to ignite the seat. Although the fire was quickly put out, the seat was left damaged.
Experts warn that high temperatures don’t just risk fires — plastic bottles can also release harmful chemicals into the water, posing health risks. Manufacturers often deny these dangers, but it’s safer to use BPA-free bottles, which are more eco-friendly and safer.
Serbia is facing intense heat waves this year, with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius, increasing the risk of such incidents. Meteorologists warn that there could be 5 to 6 heat waves this summer, making the fire risk from plastic bottles in cars a constant threat.
So next time you think about leaving a water bottle in your car, remember this warning. Your car could catch fire from a simple bottle! And it’s not just about fire — think about your health, because plastic at high temperatures is no friend.
If you’ve ever seen or experienced something like this, or have tips on dealing with summer heat and car dangers, drop a comment below. Let’s bust the myths and keep our cars and lives safe from this summer menace!
