An overheated smartphone can suffer damage to internal components or, in extreme cases, battery swelling and thermal runaway, so drivers should take steps to keep their phones cool in hot cars. Since vehicles are enclosed metal spaces that heat up quickly in the sun, protecting a phone while driving reduces the risk of costly damage or, rarely, dangerous battery failure.

The article splits its advice into external measures (changing the phone's environment) and internal ones (reducing heat the device itself generates), and recommends the following:

– Avoid mounting phones in direct sunlight, such as on the dashboard.
– Don't charge the phone while it's mounted in a hot spot.
– Point an air vent at the phone, but not too aggressively, to avoid condensation damage.
– Store the phone out of direct sun rather than leaving it mounted.
– Remove protective cases in the car, as they can insulate heat rather than let it escape.
– Never leave the phone in the car for extended periods.
– Avoid charging the phone when it's already hot, and reduce other heat-generating activity.