Leaving Alcohol In Your Car: Safe Or Not?

Whether it is okay to leave alcohol in the car depends on the type of alcohol and the temperature in the car. Hard liquors with an alcohol content of over 35% will not be affected by being stored in a car, even in hot weather. However, beer, wine, and liqueurs can be ruined by high temperatures, and beer, in particular, is affected by light as well as heat. Additionally, hand sanitizer and rubbing alcohol should not be left in a car as the fumes can be flammable and may explode.

Sanitiser and alcohol bottles can explode in hot cars

While it is generally safe to carry alcohol-based sanitisers and isopropyl alcohol in your car, it is not advisable to leave them inside. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned against leaving alcohol and sanitiser bottles inside parked cars, especially in hot weather.

Alcohol and sanitiser bottles can explode when left in hot, enclosed spaces like cars. As the temperature rises, the liquid inside the bottle expands, increasing the pressure. If the pressure becomes too high, the bottle may shatter, causing glass shards and liquid to spray inside the car. This can not only damage the interior of the car but also pose a safety risk to the occupants.

The fumes of evaporated alcohol can also collect inside the car, creating a flammable environment. While alcohol fumes have a high auto-ignition temperature of 398°C, a spark could potentially ignite the fumes, leading to a fire. To prevent this, alcohol bottles should always be closed properly and stored in a cool, well-ventilated area, as per the warning labels on most bottles.

Additionally, leaving alcohol-based sanitisers and isopropyl alcohol in hot cars can affect their effectiveness. Heat can cause the liquid to evaporate, reducing the amount of product available for use. It can also alter the concentration of the alcohol, potentially making it less effective at killing germs and disinfecting surfaces.

Therefore, it is recommended to bring alcohol and sanitiser bottles with you when exiting the car, especially when parking in an open, unshaded area. By taking simple precautions, you can help ensure your safety and maintain the effectiveness of these products.

Fumes from alcohol bottles can be flammable

While it is generally recommended to carry alcohol-based hand sanitisers in your car, it is not advisable to leave them inside. According to the Food and Drug Administration, alcohol bottles should not be left in parked cars, especially in hot and enclosed spaces. This is because the fumes from alcohol bottles are flammable and can collect inside your car.

Alcohol fumes can form explosive mixtures with air and travel to a source of ignition, such as a spark. While the alcohol itself may not combust without a spark, it should still be kept away from heat, flames, and other potential sources of ignition. The vapours from improperly closed or stored alcohol bottles can also cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, and irritation of the nose, throat, and mucous membranes. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the warning labels on alcohol bottles, which recommend closing the bottle properly and storing it in a place where the temperature does not exceed 30 degrees Celsius.

The potential dangers of alcohol fumes extend beyond flammability. Inhalation of alcohol fumes can lead to IPA poisoning, which occurs when the liver is overwhelmed by the amount of IPA in the body. While small amounts of isopropyl alcohol can be processed by the body, larger exposures can have severe consequences. IPA poisoning can impact the central nervous system, slowing or shutting down involuntary actions such as heartbeat, breathing, and the gag reflex. It can also induce hypothermia and cause a sharp drop in blood sugar levels, potentially leading to seizures.

To ensure safety, it is recommended to always bring alcohol bottles out of the car when parking, especially in unshaded or uncovered parking spaces. By taking this simple precaution, you can help prevent potential hazards associated with alcohol fumes and keep yourself and your vehicle out of harm's way.

Beer and wine can be ruined by heat

Beer and wine are susceptible to heat damage, so it is not advisable to leave them in a car during hot weather. While hard liquor or spirits with an alcohol content of above 35% are unlikely to suffer any damage from being stored in a warm place, the same cannot be said for beer and wine. Beer and wine are both sensitive to temperature changes, and even letting beer come up to room temperature can alter its flavour permanently.

Beer and wine are chilled during virtually every stage of their journey from the brewery to the consumer, from storage to transportation, to keep carbonation under control and to maintain flavour. Brewers also tend to use dark bottles to protect their product from light, which can also affect the quality of beer.

Heat can also cause alcohol bottles to explode, as alcohol is a flammable liquid with a low evaporation point. The fumes can collect inside an enclosed space, such as a car, and while they will not combust without a spark, it is still a risk. This is why alcohol bottles carry warning labels advising that they should be stored in a place where temperatures do not exceed 30°C.

Therefore, it is not advisable to leave beer or wine in a car during hot weather, as it can ruin the flavour and it poses a safety risk.

Hard liquor won't be impacted by heat

It is generally advised against leaving alcohol in a car, especially in hot weather. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), alcohol bottles should not be left in parked cars due to the risk of explosion. This warning is supported by numerous social media posts claiming that alcohol can explode when left in a hot, enclosed space like a car's interior.

However, it's important to distinguish between different types of alcoholic beverages when considering the effects of heat. Hard liquor, such as whiskey, is less likely to be impacted by high temperatures. Unlike beer, wine, or liqueurs, hard liquor has a very high alcohol content, typically exceeding 35%. This high alcohol content means that hard liquor is highly resistant to spoilage and can be safely left in a hot car without affecting its quality or flavour.

For example, one source mentions that leaving hard liquor in a car at 80°F (approximately 27°C) for about three hours would not damage the alcohol. While the high temperature may cause some expansion and minor seepage if the bottle has a cork, the liquor itself will remain unaffected.

It is worth noting that while hard liquor may not spoil, it is still best to store it properly. Alcohol bottles should be closed properly and stored in a place that does not exceed the recommended temperature limit specified on their labels, typically around 30°C.

In summary, while it is not advisable to leave any alcohol in a car due to safety concerns, hard liquor is less likely to be impacted by high temperatures in terms of quality and flavour. However, proper storage practices should still be followed to ensure the liquor's longevity and maintain the safety of the vehicle.

Alcohol can be used to clean your car's interior

Alcohol, specifically isopropyl alcohol, can be used to clean your car's interior. It is an effective disinfectant and can be used to clean surfaces such as the steering wheel, gear shift lever, and parking brake. However, it is important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against leaving alcohol bottles inside your car, especially in high temperatures, as it may pose a safety risk.

When using alcohol to clean your car's interior, it is recommended to dilute it with distilled water to a concentration of 20%. This diluted solution can be applied to small areas using a spray bottle and then removed with a clean microfiber cloth in a circular motion. It is important to avoid using alcohol on surfaces with anti-glare treatments, such as touchscreens or clock displays, as it can cloud or discolor them.

Alcohol can also be used to remove tree sap and leftover adhesive from stickers or badges. However, it should be used sparingly and in moderation, especially on painted surfaces, as it can cause damage with repeated or prolonged exposure. It is always a good idea to test alcohol on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not cause any adverse effects.

While alcohol can be an effective cleaner for your car's interior, it is important to follow safety precautions and guidelines. Always refer to the warning labels on the alcohol bottle for proper storage and usage instructions. Additionally, it is recommended to seek out automotive-specific cleaning products, as they are generally safer for your car's interior and exterior while still being effective at eliminating viruses and other contaminants.

Frequently asked questions