Something you might not have considered is how helium balloons will fare in a hot car. Helium is a gas, and as such it will rise to the top of a hot car where it will start to boil. This boiling process will cause the air pressure inside the balloon to decrease, and eventually the balloon will deflate.
What is Helium?
What is helium? Helium is a gas that is used in balloons and other types of airships. It is also used in some medical procedures.
What Happens to a Helium Balloon in a Hot Car?
If you’ve ever taken a helium balloon in your car, you know that they can quickly deflate. And if the air inside the balloon is too hot, it can actually explode. What happens then?
The heat from the sun or the heat of the car can cause the helium to liquefy, and it can escape through any small openings in the balloon. This liquid helium will spread throughout the balloon and eventually cause it to explode. In extreme cases, this liquid helium can also ignite in air and create an explosion even bigger than the original one.
So what should you do if you see a helium balloon inflating in your car? The best advice is to just leave it be and avoid any potential explosions. If you do decide to take it out, be sure to keep it cool and away from any open flames.
How Hot Does It Have to Be for a Helium Balloon to Deflate?
If you’ve ever taken a helium balloon into the sun, you know that a hot car can cause it to deflate quickly. In fact, according to the University of Utah, a hot car will cause a helium balloon to deflate within minutes. The heat of the sun is what causes the gas in the balloon to escape, causing it to collapse.
What to Do if You Find a Deflated Helium Balloon in Your Car
If you find a deflated helium balloon in your car, don’t panic! There are a few things you can do to help prevent the balloon from deflating further and potentially causing a safety hazard.
The first thing to do is remove any loose objects around the balloon, like pieces of fabric or other material. This will help keep the balloon from expanding and becoming unstable.
Next, try to seal the balloon off by wrapping it tightly with tape or another cloth material. This will help keep the air inside the balloon and prevent it from escaping.
If these measures don’t seem to be working, you can try inflating the balloon using a pump or your mouth. Be sure to use caution when inflating the balloon, as overinflation can cause it to burst. If this happens, be sure to avoid inhaling any of the helium gas.
Conclusion
As much as we would love to believe that helium balloons will always hold their shape and remain inflated in a hot car, the reality is that they will eventually deflate. The heat of the car will cause the air inside the balloon to escape, and it won’t be long before your balloon has lost all its air and is just a sad reminder of its former glory. Unless you’re planning on releasing your helium balloon right outside of a hot car park, it’s best to keep it stored away until you need it.