5 Things to Know About Leaving a Cooler in a Hot Car

A cooler cannot keep food cold in a hot car for hours Coolers are insulation, not refrigeration. In a car interior that can reach 130°F, ice packs will fail and internal temperatures will climb above 40°F.

Bacteria grow quickly above 40°F Once the cooler’s internal temperature rises past 40°F, bacteria multiply rapidly. Perishable food becomes unsafe to eat after just a few hours.

Use a high-quality rotomolded cooler for better performance A rotomolded cooler with pre-chilled contents and all empty space filled with ice packs will perform better. Even then, do not trust it past two hours for anything that spoils.

Ice melts about twice as fast as normal Expect your ice to melt at double the usual rate. The cooler only buys you a little time, not a full day of safety.

Bring the cooler inside or stash it with a friend Spend the extra few minutes to keep the cooler out of the car. Your stomach will thank you.