Expert warns one item left in your car could cause £1,000s in damage this summer

Experts are warning that one popular electronic device could cause thousands of pounds worth of damage if left inside during the summer.

As temperatures increase significantly across the country, vaping company Electric Tobacconist warned that the nicotine-filled devices could cause significant damage to your vehicle. While it can be easy for people to leave the devices in their car in an act of convenience, the summer heat could pose a detrimental risk to the batteries inside.

The lithium-ion batteries which are commonly used in phones, laptops, and vapes, can be at a higher risk of malfunctioning under extreme temperatures. An added risk with vapes is also the liquid included which can wreak havoc if any leaks occur.

Pascal Culverhouse, owner of Electric Tobacconist, explained: "The batteries used in reusable vapes are lithium-ion batteries which are rechargeable batteries that can be used many times before having to be replaced. Lithium-Ion compared to a normal battery charges quicker, lasts longer and has a higher power density. Other devices such as your phone, laptop or e-bike use the same technology.

"While Lithium-Ion batteries are safe and the chances of them exploding are less than one in 10 million, the likelihood of them overheating, catching on fire or even exploding can be increased if they aren't properly stored."

While the risk of an explosion is low, it can happen. When leaving your vape in your car you also run the risk of your e-juice leaking onto your interior. Warm temperatures can cause your liquid to thin and you could return to your car to see a big mess, so if you don't want to cause thousands of pounds in damages, don't store your vapes in your car in this heat.

Vaping regulations

Britain's high streets have been filled with vape shops and it's estimated that up to 50% of vapes on the market do not comply with UK safety regulations. With little to no safety regulations on black market vapes, along with the heat, you could have a recipe for disaster.

"Government bans of single-use vapes have seen more people turning to the black market for cheaper products. These products however are dangerous from both a health and physical point of view.

"You should always buy from reputable sources as modern vape devices are designed with multiple safety features such as overcharge protections and a built-in fuse to keep you safe," says Pascal.