An insurance expert is warning drivers to not leave everyday items such as mirrors and charging cables in their car on a hot day, as they could cause "considerable damage".
As summer fast approaches many Brits will be setting off on sunny adventures in the UK and abroad with their cars full to the brim with supplies.
But what many people don't realise is that certain unsuspecting items could be classed as a fire hazard and cause their car to set on fire on a hot day.
How to prevent 'considerable damage' to your car on a hot day
Alicia Hempstead, an insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, is urging people to not leave mirrors, charging cables, vape batteries and food in their cars.
She warns that items with reflective surfaces or magnifying effects could cause a car fire if left in direct sunlight.
To avoid this, car owners should remove all mirrors, reflective sunglasses or clear water bottles from their vehicle or cover them so they're not left in direct sunlight.
Alicia said: "Mirrors, reflective sunglasses, and even clear water bottles all refract sunlight and can cause a fire inside a vehicle or, at the very least, leave scorch marks.
"If possible, it's best to park your vehicle in a place of shade, but if that isn't an option then you should make sure all of these reflective items are either removed or covered and kept away from direct sunlight.
"This can include overhead mirrors that have been left open, so keep them covered or directed away from inside the vehicle."
Alicia also urges drivers not to leave food and drink in vehicles, as not only can this become mouldy and smell over time, it can also attract pests.
If a rodent or fox are able to get into your car, they may chew through cables, which could be seen as another potential fire hazard.
Alicia said: "Pests like rats and foxes also tend to be more active during the summer months, and while they're not as likely to nest in an empty vehicle, they can cause considerable damage if they detect food inside.
"Rats have been known to gnaw their way into cars, and there have been cases of foxes chewing through cables and components underneath.
"Avoid parking your vehicle near areas that might be attractive to animals, like overflowing bins and clear out all food and drink."
Alicia claims battery fires have also become a serious problem in the UK in recent years with fire brigades having to put out three lithium-ion battery-related fires daily.
These are particularly dangerous because they can spread quickly, are difficult to put out and are able to reignite after being extinguished.
In some cases, heat can cause lithium-ion batteries to swell and catch fire.
High temperatures can also damage electronic components and cause gadgets to stop working.
It's best not to leave electronic items in your car on a hot day to avoid a fire and also reduce the risk of your car being broken into by thieves.
Alicia said: "It's generally advised that you don't leave electronics like laptops, vapes, and other gadgets in your car because they might be a temptation for thieves, but because of the added fire risk it's especially important that you take them out on hot days.
"If you do accidentally leave electronics in a hot car, place them somewhere dry and cool and wait until they are cool to the touch to use them again."
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Alicia also advises against storing EpiPens and other medications openly in the car for emergencies because the heat can warp plastic and reduce effectiveness making them unusable.
Instead, medications should be stored in a dark and cool place and first aid kits should be stored in the glove box or boot of your car so as to avoid direct sunlight.
Sprays and aerosols should also be kept out of the car as the pressurised contents can expand in high temperatures, which can cause them to burst or even explode.
How do you keep your car cool on a hot day? Share you tips and tricks in the comments below.
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