Romanian heat wave heightens car safety hazards

During the current heat wave, interior temperatures of parked cars in Romania can exceed 55 °C. Romanian fire‑service officials (ISU) warn that batteries, power banks, mobile phones, pressurised containers and even perfume bottles can overheat, rupture or ignite, turning ordinary items into "time bombs". Food left in vehicles also spoils rapidly, reaching unsafe temperatures within hours.

At the same time, experts caution that using winter‑type tyres in summer heat is equally dangerous. Designed for sub‑7 °C conditions, winter tyres soften, lose grip and may even melt or burst when road surfaces reach 60 °C. Tests cited by Michelin show braking distances increase sharply and handling deteriorates, raising the risk of accidents and tyre failure.