Can Vapes be Left in a Hot Car?

Leaving your vape in a hot car may seem like a convenient way to store it, but it can actually cause serious damage. The heat inside a car can cause the vape’s battery to expand and potentially leak or even explode. Additionally, the vape liquid could evaporate, change in viscosity, or lose flavor by being exposed to high temperatures. If you’re wondering whether it’s safe to leave your vape in a hot car, the answer is no.

Vapes, also known as electronic cigarettes, contain batteries that can be sensitive to temperature extremes. When exposed to high temperatures, these batteries can malfunction and cause a variety of issues. Even on a mild 70°F day, the inside of a car can heat up to over 100°F in just a few minutes. This can be especially dangerous if you have a vape with a built-in battery that cannot be removed. In this case, the entire device could be damaged beyond repair.

Understanding Vapes

If you are a vaper, you are probably familiar with the components of a vape and how it functions. However, if you are new to vaping, it is important to understand the basics.

Components of a Vape

Vapes, also known as electronic cigarettes, are made up of several components that work together to create vapor. Here are the main components of a vape:

• Battery: The battery is the power source for the vape. It provides the energy needed to heat the coil and vaporize the e-liquid.
• Coil: The coil is a small piece of wire that is wrapped around a wick. It heats up when the battery is activated, which vaporizes the e-liquid.
• Tank: The tank holds the e-liquid. It is usually made of glass or plastic and has a mouthpiece on the top.
• E-liquid: E-liquid, also known as vape juice, is a mixture of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavorings, and nicotine (optional). When heated, it turns into vapor.

How Vapes Function

When you inhale on the mouthpiece of a vape, the battery activates and sends power to the coil. The coil heats up and vaporizes the e-liquid in the tank. The vapor is then inhaled into your lungs and exhaled.

It is important to note that vapes are electronic devices and are sensitive to temperature. Extreme temperatures, such as those found in a hot car, can cause damage to the battery and other components. This can pose safety risks and shorten the lifespan of the vape. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid leaving your vape in a hot car.

Effects of Heat on Vapes

If you leave your vape in a hot car, it can have several negative effects on the device. Here are some of the most common effects of heat on vapes:

Battery Damage

When exposed to high temperatures, the battery of a vape device can degrade, leading to reduced battery life and performance. In some cases, the battery may even swell, which can be dangerous. If the battery swells too much, it can damage the device or even cause it to catch fire or explode.

E-Liquid Evaporation

The e-liquid inside a vape cartridge can evaporate if exposed to high temperatures. This can cause the e-liquid to become less effective and may even cause the device to malfunction. In some cases, the e-liquid can leak out of the device, creating a mess.

Device Malfunction

If you leave your vape in a hot car for too long, the device may start to malfunction. The plastic parts or coverings of the device can warp or change shape when exposed to high temperatures, affecting the functionality of the device. In extreme cases, the device may even break down entirely.

To avoid these negative effects, it’s best to keep your vape out of hot cars and other high-temperature environments. If you must transport your vape in a car, make sure to keep it in a cool, dry place to prevent damage.

Safety Risks

When it comes to leaving your vape in a hot car, there are several safety risks that you should be aware of. In this section, we will discuss the potential dangers associated with leaving your vape in a hot car.

Risk of Explosion

One of the most significant risks associated with leaving your vape in a hot car is the risk of explosion. Vape devices typically use lithium-ion batteries, which are known to be sensitive to high temperatures. When exposed to extreme heat, these batteries can overheat and potentially explode. This can cause serious injury or even death.

To avoid this risk, it is essential to never leave your vape in a hot car. Instead, always take your vape with you when you leave the car, or store it in a cool, dry place.

Health Hazards

Another risk associated with leaving your vape in a hot car is the potential health hazards. When exposed to high temperatures, vape devices can experience battery degradation, loss of e-liquid, or structural damage. In some cases, the battery may even swell, leading to hazardous consequences.

Moreover, the e-liquid inside the cartridge could evaporate or leak, causing a mess or rendering the device ineffective. This can be a significant health hazard, especially if the e-liquid leaks onto your skin or is ingested.

To avoid these health hazards, it is crucial to store your vape in a cool, dry place and never leave it in a hot car. Additionally, always ensure that your vape device is properly maintained and that the e-liquid is stored in a safe and secure location.

Preventive Measures

If you plan on leaving your vape in a hot car, there are a few preventive measures you can take to ensure that your device remains functional and damage-free. Proper storage and carrying cases are two effective solutions that can help you avoid unexpected damages or malfunctions.

Proper Storage

One of the easiest ways to prevent your vape from being damaged in a hot car is to store it properly. Avoid leaving your vaping device in direct sunlight or in a location where it is exposed to extreme heat. Instead, store your device in a cool, dry place, such as your glove compartment or trunk.

If you are traveling with your vape, consider bringing along a portable cooler or insulated case to help maintain the integrity and functionality of your equipment. These cases are designed to keep your vaping device at a consistent temperature, which can help extend the lifespan of your battery and prevent your coils from melting.

Carrying Cases

Investing in a carrying case for your vaping device is another effective way to prevent damage from extreme heat. Carrying cases are designed to protect your device from scratches, dents, and other types of damage, while also providing a convenient way to transport your equipment.

When choosing a carrying case, look for one that is made from durable materials, such as neoprene or silicone. These materials are resistant to heat and can help protect your device from extreme temperatures.

In addition to protecting your device from heat, carrying cases can also help prevent leaks and spills. Many cases come with built-in pockets for storing e-liquid bottles, spare batteries, and other accessories, which can help keep your equipment organized and prevent accidental spills.

Overall, taking the time to properly store and transport your vaping device can help prevent damage from extreme heat and extend the lifespan of your equipment. By being cautious about where you store your device and investing in a high-quality carrying case, you can enjoy vaping on-the-go without worrying about unexpected malfunctions or damages.

Alternatives to Leaving Vapes in Hot Cars

Leaving your vape in a hot car can cause serious damage to the device and pose safety risks. However, there are some alternatives to leaving your vape in a hot car that you can consider.

Take Your Vape with You

The best alternative to leaving your vape in a hot car is to take it with you. This means that you should always carry your vape with you when you leave your car. If you are going to be away from your car for an extended period, make sure to bring your vape with you.

Use a Vape Case

Another alternative to leaving your vape in a hot car is to use a vape case. Vape cases are designed to protect your vape from extreme temperatures and other environmental factors. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can choose one that best suits your needs.

Store Your Vape in a Cool Place

If you must leave your vape in your car, store it in a cool place. This means that you should avoid leaving your vape in direct sunlight and try to park your car in a shaded area. You can also store your vape in the glove compartment or trunk of your car, where it will be protected from the heat.

Remove the Battery

If you are leaving your vape in your car for an extended period, consider removing the battery. This will help prevent the battery from overheating and potentially exploding. Make sure to store the battery in a cool, dry place.

Use a Disposable Vape

If you are going to be in a situation where you cannot bring your vape with you and cannot store it in a cool place, consider using a disposable vape. Disposable vapes are designed to be used once and then thrown away, so you don’t have to worry about storing them in extreme temperatures.

By following these alternatives, you can help prevent damage to your vape and ensure that it continues to function properly.