Don't leave these items in a hot car … Everyone knows you should never leave children and pets inside a hot car, but there are many lesser-known things that could be potentially dangerous if left inside a vehicle, especially under scorching summer temperatures. For instance, that clear plastic water bottle left in the cup holder could actually pose a very serious risk. Believe it or not, experts warn it could actually start a fire. Sunlight beaming into the car can be reflected by the water in the bottle and actually ignite a fire inside the car if it’s hot enough. Also, water that's been in an extremely hot plastic bottle could be contaminated with toxins. Electronics with lithium batteries, like a vape or an electric scooter, could also explode. Other everyday items that should not be left in a hot car are things like aerosol cans, canned and bottled soda, cigarette lighters, medicine, and alcohol.
Speaking of overheating …
Soda pop! Parts of the country have experienced record-breaking heat this summer, which has caused many problems that were expected – and one that wasn't. Southwest Airlines says many of its flights, especially those leaving from the country's hottest spots in the West, have had a problem with soda cans suddenly exploding mid-flight. In fact, the airline has reported at least 20 incidents where flight attendants have been injured by exploding cans. Southwest says it believes the cans were too hot when they were loaded onto planes and, combined with the cabin pressure at 30,000 feet, made them susceptible to bursting. Southwest says it is working to fix the problem and has instructed airport workers to check the temperature of the cans before loading them onto planes.