Warning: car torched by flashlight in glove box

[The Maverick]

A word of warning from something that was in the news last week. The Mustang pictured below was totaled by a rechargeable lithium-ion flashlight that was in the glove compartment.

From the fire department's Instagram post:

"Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in devices like flashlights, cell phones, tablets, laptops, power tools, and even e-cigarettes. These batteries are powerful, but they can also pose risks if not handled carefully. Here’s what you need to know:

⚠️ Warning Signs: If you smell a chemical or “burning plastic” odor after charging a device, that’s a red flag. The driver reported this same smell prior to the fire.

✅ Safe Storage Tips:

- Avoid high temperatures: Don’t leave battery-powered devices in hot spaces like a parked car.
- Check for damage: If your battery is swollen or damaged, replace it.
- Charge safely: Don’t charge devices unattended or overnight in enclosed spaces."

https://www.instagram.com/woodland_f...en&img_index=1

[m6-lt1]

Yikes. I hope his insurance covered that damage.

[chevy pilot]

Start boosters are just as dangerous.

[102SS]

Now he can buy a Camaro

[el ess A]

Originally Posted by chevy pilot

Start boosters are just as dangerous.

No kidding. Mine didn't fry, but I bought a Schumaker jump booster a few years ago and was pleased with it. Until...went to use it one day to jump the neighbor's truck and found the case was split open at the seams due to battery swelling. Didn't use it, even though it showed 85% charge. Yikes. I replaced it with a Gooloo jump box (much better) and after a couple of years, it still seems perfectly fine.

Issue is, there's Lithium ion batteries in almost everything nowadays. Like one that comes to mind is even my battery operated Dremel tool Uses 4 little LI-ion batteries in a battery pack, but still. Makes you stop and think.

Don't forget your EVs having the potential for burning down the house as well. With all technology, there are pitfalls. Be careful out there.