New Delhi: As the mercury of summer rises, our everyday gadgets also start getting into trouble. This season is no less than a challenge especially for laptop users, because the problem of overheating not only slows down the system, but in serious situations it can even cause a blast. If you also use your laptop for work, studies or entertainment, then it is important to take some precautions. Let us know which mistakes can turn your laptop into a ‘ball of fire’ in summer and how to keep it safe.

Overheating: Warning signs

Overheating in laptops is not a unique thing, but this danger increases manifold in summer. When the system gets too hot, its performance starts weakening – the screen may hang, programs may crash or the device may shut down automatically. A technical expert warned, “If you ignore these signs and continue to use the laptop, the risk of fire increases due to a short circuit in the battery or internal circuit.” Along with hot weather, if the laptop’s cooling fan is not working properly, then this problem can become more serious.

Beware of these mistakes

Pile of dust: Using the laptop for years accumulates dust in its vents and ports. This dust prevents the hot air from coming out, due to which the system starts overheating. A service engineer said, “We see such cases every day where the fan gets choked with dust. Ignoring this in summer can cause great harm.”

Use at the wrong place: Many people use the laptop by keeping it on their lap or on the bed. This blocks the vents and the heat gets trapped inside the system. A user shared her experience, “I kept the laptop on the bed, after some time it became so hot that I got scared. Now I use it only on the table.” Risk of fake charger: If your original charger gets damaged and you use a cheap or local charger, it can prove to be dangerous for your laptop. Tech consultant Anil Mehta said, “Fake chargers supply the wrong voltage, which increases the heat in the system and can even lead to a blast.”

Easy ways to protect your laptop from heat

Some practical tips can be useful for you to protect your laptop from heat. First, get the device cleaned from the service center every 6 months. This will keep the fan and vents clean, and the heat can escape. Second, always keep the laptop on a hard surface like a table or desk, so that there is a flow of air. Third, invest in the original product while buying a charger. A user advised, “I had bought a cheap charger, but the laptop started heating up. After buying the original, everything is fine now.” Apart from this, using a cooling pad can also be beneficial while using it for a long time.

Human perspective: Safety first

This issue is not just about the gadget, but is related to the safety of you and your family. Last year, a laptop in Mumbai caught fire due to overheating, causing minor injuries to the user. He said, “I did not know that such a small negligence could become such a big accident.” In summer, when the room temperature also reaches close to 40 degrees, it becomes even more important to keep the laptop cool. A mother expressed concern, “My son plays games on the laptop for hours. Now I ask him to take breaks.” What to do next? If your laptop is heating up frequently, strange noises are coming from the fan or the battery is discharging quickly, do not take it lightly. Immediately go to the service center and get a checkup done. Do not run it for a long time on charge in summer and give a break every few hours. Tech experts suggest, “A cooling pad is available for Rs 300-500, which can save your laptop.” These small steps will not only increase the life of your device, but also save you from major damage. Laptop is your companion in summer, but without proper care it can also become a danger. Follow these tips and keep your devices safe, so you can enjoy the summer without any fear!