Texans Face An Explosive Problem This Summer- How To Keep Your Car Safe

We all make mistakes, but I made a really dumb one earlier this summer. I had forgotten a 12-pack of Dr. Pepper in my back seat. I knew they'd be hot, but I had a glass of ice to pour over my soda. So I opened the can in my car and...

POW!

A deafening pop sound hurt my ears and hot soda went everywhere. The pressure of the tab opening bruised my hand. Luckily for me, these were diet Dr. Peppers- or I would have a had a sticky mess to deal with too. It was an unwise thing to do, but perhaps it saved me from a bigger mistake- letting the cans get so hot they all exploded on their own. Which is not only possible but likely with the temperatures we are having in Texas now.

The top of a soda can explode at temperatures of 140 degrees. If it's 100 degrees outside, the inside of your car can reach over 170 degrees- meaning anything carbonated or otherwise packaged under pressure (I'm looking at you biscuit dough) can and will explode, making a huge mess of your car interior.

We invest a lot into our cars, so avoiding a mess is important; however, this also serves as a much more important reminder to never leave anything alive in a hot car. Dogs, babies, elderly folks, or even healthy adults cannot withstand these temperatures without severe injury or even death.

I love Texas, but I'm already ready for Fall, as I'm sure most of us are.