Leaving an electronic vaping device in a vehicle exposes it to extreme and fluctuating temperatures. These conditions can compromise its functionality, chemical stability, and safety. Vaping devices contain lithium-ion batteries, sensitive electronics, and e-liquid, all designed to operate within a narrow temperature range. The confined space of a car rapidly amplifies environmental conditions, risking damage to the device and creating a potential safety hazard.
The Hazards of High Heat
The most significant danger of leaving a vape in a car is the risk of a battery malfunction caused by extreme heat. Lithium-ion batteries, which power vaping devices, are highly sensitive to elevated temperatures. On a sunny day, the interior of a parked car can quickly soar above 140°F (60°C) within an hour, even if the outside air temperature is moderate.
Temperatures exceeding 140°F can damage the battery’s internal structure. A temperature over 180°F (82°C) significantly increases the risk of thermal runaway, a self-accelerating chain reaction. This process generates heat, causing internal components to break down and leading to an uncontrolled temperature increase. Thermal runaway can cause the battery to vent flammable gases or, in rare cases, result in fire or explosion.
High heat also negatively impacts the e-liquid and the device’s tank system. Heat causes the e-liquid’s main components, propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), to become thinner. This thinning can overwhelm the cotton wicking material, leading to leaks, flooding the atomizer, and creating a sticky mess. Furthermore, the combination of thin liquid and expanding air inside a sealed tank increases internal pressure, forcing the liquid out through seals and airflow channels.
How Cold Weather Affects Vaping Devices
Cold weather presents distinct problems related to device performance and longevity, though it does not pose the immediate safety risk of extreme heat. Lithium-ion batteries rely on chemical reactions; when temperatures drop, the movement of ions slows down, reducing the battery’s efficiency and capacity. Cold temperatures can cause the battery to drain up to 40% faster or shut off unexpectedly.
The most significant performance issue involves the e-liquid, as low temperatures cause its viscosity to increase, making it thicker. This thickening makes it harder for the liquid to be absorbed by the coil’s wick (wicking). Poor wicking can lead to a dry hit, where the coil overheats the cotton instead of the liquid, potentially burning the wick and shortening the coil’s lifespan.
Prolonged exposure to cold also affects the physical integrity of the device materials. Plastic components, such as pods, tanks, and seals, become more brittle when temperatures fall below freezing. This increased brittleness means a device subjected to minor impact when cold is more likely to crack or shatter. Additionally, charging a battery below 32°F (0°C) should be avoided, as it can lead to lithium plating, causing permanent damage and reducing the battery’s lifespan.
E-Liquid Stability and Chemical Changes
Temperature fluctuations and sunlight exposure in a car directly impact the chemical stability of the e-liquid, compromising its quality. E-liquid contains nicotine, flavorings, and a base of PG and VG, all susceptible to chemical degradation. Exposure to both high temperatures and ultraviolet (UV) light filtering through car windows accelerates the oxidation of nicotine.
Nicotine oxidation causes the liquid to change color, usually turning darker or brownish, and can reduce nicotine potency over time. While slight color change is part of the aging process, rapid discoloration from extreme temperatures signals degradation. High heat can also cause complex flavor compounds to break down, resulting in a muted or altered taste profile.
Safe Storage and Practical Advice
The safest practice is to remove the vaping device from the car, especially during periods of extreme heat or cold. If the device must be left in the vehicle briefly, strategic placement can mitigate risks. Storing the device in a glove compartment or under a seat, rather than on the dashboard, keeps it out of direct sunlight and shields it from rapid temperature spikes.
Device Preparation and Legal Considerations
When storing the device, detach the tank or pod from the main battery unit to isolate the most hazardous component. Using a protective case provides insulation against temperature extremes and physical shock. Users should also be aware that vaping in a car is subject to local laws, as many jurisdictions prohibit the use of e-cigarettes in a vehicle when a minor is present.