How to Keep Your Smartphone Cool on Summer Road Trips

A heat warning highlights the risk of smartphones overheating during summer road trips, potentially causing navigation failures and dangerous battery swelling. Experts advise keeping devices cool to prevent damage. Phones used as navigation devices in direct sunlight can overheat, leading to shutdowns and "spicy pillows," a term for swollen lithium-ion batteries. This occurs when heat accelerates chemical reactions, posing a fire hazard. Simple measures include shading the phone, avoiding direct sun, and removing thick cases. For long journeys, like a six-hour drive from Vienna to Günzburg, continuous charging and navigation strain the battery. Using a vent mount for airflow, lowering screen brightness, and closing unused apps can help. If a battery swells, users should stop using the device immediately and replace it.