**Experts Urge Motorists to Reconsider Phone Placement During Intense Heatwaves**
As the UK basks in soaring summer temperatures, motorists are being issued urgent new guidance about the use of mobile phones while on the road. Transport and technology experts are warning that mounting your smartphone in a windscreen holder during a heatwave could not only damage your device, but also pose a significant fire risk.
Many drivers rely on their phones for navigation, traffic updates and hands-free communication, typically securing their devices in windscreen mounts to keep them within easy sight. However, specialists now caution that this habit can have unintended and potentially dangerous consequences in hotter-than-usual weather.
Antonia Hristov, Head of Marketing at recycling comparison website Compare and Recycle, explains that most smartphones are manufactured to function safely only up to around 35°C. When these temperatures are exceeded, particularly inside vehicles which can quickly become much hotter than the outside air, phones can malfunction or even become hazardous. According to Hristov, “Smartphones are essentially mini-computers and, much like laptops, they do not cope well in extreme heat.”
One of the main concerns is battery safety. Exposure to high temperatures can cause the battery inside a phone to overheat or swell. Experts warn that, in rare but serious cases, this could spark a fire inside the car—a risk that dramatically increases if the phone is left in direct sunlight on the dashboard. Additionally, overheating can lead to permanent processor or screen damage, shortened battery lifespan, and unexpected shutdowns or poor performance.
Reports are already surfacing from drivers on discussion forums, complaining about smartphones—particularly iPhones—overheating even under normal use with in-car systems such as CarPlay. In the midst of a heatwave, the risk intensifies, as the “greenhouse effect” created by car windows can quickly push devices beyond safe operating parameters.
To reduce the danger, Hristov advises motorists to avoid dashboard or windscreen mounts entirely during periods of extreme heat. “Instead of fixing your phone near the glass, where the sun can cook the device, use a phone holder attached to one of your air-conditioning vents,” she recommends. The flow of cool air can prevent overheating, preserving both the phone and driver safety.
Furthermore, if your vehicle supports Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, experts suggest making use of these systems to manage calls and navigation, while keeping your phone tucked away in a shaded, cool area inside the car. “Every step you can take to reduce direct sun exposure helps, even down to removing your phone case or enabling airplane mode to minimise heat from processing and wireless functions,” added Hristov.
This advice comes as the Met Office issues repeated warnings about heat-related risks on the roads, not just to vehicles but also to road users. With climate change predicted to increase the frequency and intensity of British heatwaves, road safety campaigners hope drivers will adapt their habits to suit more challenging summer conditions.
Insurance providers and motoring organisations echo this advice, reminding policyholders that damage caused to gadgets by heat may not always be covered under standard claims—yet another reason to take extra care with tech during hot spells.
In summary, while it may seem convenient to keep your device in a prominent position for navigation, doing so could jeopardise both the lifespan of your phone and your own wellbeing during the hottest days of the year. With a few simple adjustments, drivers can stay connected and on track—without falling foul of dangerous overheating.
As Britain braces for another sweltering summer, safety experts urge all drivers to review their in-car phone usage and to prioritise both safe driving and responsible tech management.