Drivers warned about hidden car hazards

VICTORIAN motorists are being urged to think twice about what they leave in their vehicles, with everyday items posing safety risks or potential damage during hot weather.

RACV general manager motoring products Jeff Ames said many drivers were unaware of the dangers associated with storing common items in their cars.

“RACV is urging all motorists to be mindful of what they store in their cars, especially as the hot weather increases.”

Electronic devices, including smartphones and laptops, can overheat due to their lithium-ion batteries, potentially creating a fire hazard.

Medicines, whether prescription or over-the-counter, can lose their effectiveness when exposed to extreme temperatures.

Aerosol cans, such as deodorants and air fresheners, may explode under pressure in hot vehicles.

Sunscreen can break down in the heat, rendering it ineffective, and glasses left on dashboards may warp or even create fire hazards due to lens reflection.

The warning follows a 16 per cent rise in vehicle break-ins, with Victorian Crime Statistics Agency data showing 53,329 reported cases in the year ending June 2024, up from 45,984 the previous year.

“This significant rise in vehicle break-ins is concerning and we strongly advise drivers to remove all valuables and always lock their vehicles to prevent opportunistic theft,” Mr Ames said.