Why Texans Need To Stop Leaving Water Bottles In Cars

While recent rains have cut Texas a break, heat-wise, Texas summers are still pretty brutal. You have to stay hydrated but DON'T leave your water bottle in your vehicle.

Summer in Texas is no joke. Over the last few years, we have set records and it could happen again. Fortunately, there's been more rain and cloud cover this year than usual but that relief is temporary.

Stay hydrated, (no booze), but be careful.

Water bottles come in handy and just about everybody carries one around these days since regular water sucks but they can become dangerous if left in a hot car. Temperatures in closed vehicles rise very high and very quickly.

How Can Water Bottles Be Dangerous?

There are several reasons to keep your water bottle with you as opposed to leaving it in your vehicle. One, (duh), you may get thirsty doing whatever you're doing.

Fire Hazard

Plastic bottles can focus sunlight on a spot which could then begun to smolder. This happened to my roommate once when a sunbeam reflected off a chrome rim onto a cloth seat.

Bacteria

Heated stagnant water is a breeding wonderland for microorganisms that can mess up your digestive system among other things. (Think twice about buying that case of water that's been sitting in front of the convenience store forever.)

Toxic Chemicals

Plastic is handy and convenient but it's made out of stuff you don't want to ingest. At high heat, these chemicals can leach into the water which you then drink. Not good.

 READ MORE: Signs Of Dehydration

Hot plastic can also warp or split, letting the liquid out onto your seats or electronics. Bottom line, be careful where you buy water, drink plenty of it, (I fill a stainless steel container from the sink at home), and don't leave it in your car.