Is Leaving A Laptop Computer In A Hot Car All Day A Good or Bad Idea?

[PeterG]

Okay, so of course it's a bad idea. But how can one take care of their laptop when they are travelling or going to an all-day event and have to leave their laptop in their vehicle? Sometimes one can't find a shady place to park. Not sure if that would even be enough. I've wondered about buying a Coleman type of cooler with ice packs underneath a towel or two and putting the laptop in there? I don't know...

Also wondering about cameras for the same situation, left in a hot vehicle all day long. Your storage thoughts/experiences would be most appreciated!

 

[Aceon6]

I wouldn’t use a cooler pack as condensation is worse than heat. Remember that these things get shipped in closed trucks where it’s likely to get VERY HOT. If I need to leave my tablet or laptop, I put them in a protective sleeve, them wrap them in towels and leave them on the floor of the back seat, out of the sun. I’ve yet to have a problem as long as I let them come down to room temp before powering them up.

 

[Vash01]

Very bad idea. Electronics need recommended environment. It means a certain temperature range and I am guessing perhaps a certain humidity range for optimum performance. I would recommend carrying the laptop with you and look for a locker or a person to leave it with if you are not allowed to carry it with you. I can't imagine why you would not be allowed to keep it with you.

 

[StasiyaGalustyanLove]

It Is A Good Idea, Laps Are Nicer when They Are Warm.

 

[gkelly]

I once left a laptop in the car trunk on a hot day.

After that the computer itself worked OK but the modem was dead and had to be replaced.

 

[PeterG]

I can't imagine why you would not be allowed to keep it with you.

I might travel across British Columbia this summer. I leave one tiny town and the next stop is four hours away. Midway, there is a spot which is known to be incredibly beautiful, but the most picturesque spots are near the end of the six hour hike (which will take me eight hours or more with lots of rest breaks). So the laptop would sit in my vehicle from 10am to 6pm, if not longer.

I wouldn’t use a cooler pack as condensation is worse than heat. Remember that these things get shipped in closed trucks where it’s likely to get VERY HOT. If I need to leave my tablet or laptop, I put them in a protective sleeve, them wrap them in towels and leave them on the floor of the back seat, out of the sun. I’ve yet to have a problem as long as I let them come down to room temp before powering them up.

Great info, thanks. I'd like to know if others have found that this has worked for them as well.

 

[made_in_canada]

Great info, thanks. I'd like to know if others have found that this has worked for them as well.

That’s the strategy I’ve used for cold and it’s worked well. I’m no expert but I think the letting it get to room temperature part before using it is the key.

Are you heading north? Let me know if you are and want company for a meal or coffee or a drink or something

 

[Japanfan]

I might travel across British Columbia this summer.

You are probably aware of these places as a long time BC resident, but if not, I totally recommend the Canyon Highway and the Duffy Lake Road. It's largely Indigenous territory and accommodations are a bit lacking, but the scenery is stunning.

https://www.pembertonvalleylodge.com/pemberton/news/2015/7/14/scenic-duffy-road-near-pemberton/
http://blog.hellobc.com/bcs-fraser-canyon/

The Pemberton Valley hotel linked at the site looks beautiful, but its cheapest rooms are over $179. per night.

We went river rafting in Lillooet (great deal of fun) and stayed at a cheap motel.

 

[El Rey]

I live in Texas (gets hot!) and leave my laptop in the trunk of my car all the time. It’s kept in a nylon briefcase or backpack. Haven’t had an issue yet.....

 

[MacMadame]

Computers are designed to withstand a big range of temps.

I'd be more worried about someone stealing it than the heat.

 

[Winnipeg]

If you have to ask this question then gee.. ....

 

[PeterG]

If you have to ask this question then gee.. ....

Not sure what you mean. Do you mean that people should know what laptops can endure and what they cannot? I have never owned a laptop, so I have no idea.

Or do you mean that leaving a laptop in a hot car is of course a bad idea? It sounds like a few people in this thread have had experiences which contradict this point.

 

[Japanfan]

Do you mean that people should know what laptops can endure and what they cannot? I have never owned a laptop, so I have no idea.

I would actually not think twice about leaving my laptop in a hot car for eight hours, if I was in the situation you described. I would just expect that it would withstand the heat because it was designed to withstand both heat and cold.
I've never seen or heard that one should not leave a laptop in a hot car.

 

[manhn]

I would have no problem leaving a laptop in a hot car, besides the fear of it getting stolen. The actual car is a machine too and is sitting in the sun all day. I still can use that car.

 

[Jay42]

I think you should be fine as long as you leave it where it won't be seen. I've definitely had my laptop in a vehicle for several hours and it's been fine because I've left it where it was shaded and protected from the heat. Even if it's inside a suitcase it should be fine. Like @Aceon6 said, just make sure it comes down to room temperature before turning it on.

Same idea with cameras really. Just make sure you keep the expensive things where they can't be seen. I live in a very crime heavy city and people seem to forget that a lot because a lot of vehicles get broken into.

 

[Winnipeg]

I guess I was considering the "good idea" aspect. My immediate thought it would not be a good idea for security reasons but then you could put it in the trunk