This Hidden Car Danger Could Start a Fire in Illinois Heat

As temperatures are expected to climb to nearly 100 degrees over the next few days in Illinois, it's very important to check your car immediately for one specific thing.

Dangerous Heat in Illinois

It's officially summer in Illinois, so it's only fitting that the heat and humidity are ready to crank up over the next few days.

READ MORE: Extreme Heat Forecasted for Illinois This Week

The extreme heat we will be experiencing this week is dangerous, and can very quickly turn deadly.

Do NOT leave animals outdoors for long periods of time.

Do NOT take your dog for a walk in extreme heat.

Do NOT go outdoors without bringing plenty of water to drink.

Do NOT gulp down a freezing bottle of water if you feel overheated, drink lukewarm water instead.

Since we're on the subject of water, did you know that leaving a water bottle in a hot car can be extremely dangerous? Here's why.

Dangers of Leaving Water Bottles in Hot Cars

I'm hoping you all know that drinking from a plastic water bottle that has been left in a hot car for an extended period of time is a very bad idea, but that's not where the water bottle dangers begin and end.

Water bottles left in a hot car are a fire hazard too. Specifically, clear plastic water bottles that turn into a magnifier in sunlight.

Watch this:

Leaving a plastic water bottle in your car for a few hours in the heat is risky, but the real problem is those water bottles that roll under your seat sticking out just far enough to catch sunlight for a long period of time.

Please check your car for forgotten plastic water bottles today...just in case!