T-Mobile customers who snagged the carrier’s latest Tuesday freebie might want to think twice before leaving their new water bottle in the car during this summer’s intense heat wave. Multiple users have discovered their complimentary bottles completely melted and deformed after being left in hot vehicles, raising questions about the quality of the promotional items.

The incidents highlight an unexpected downside to what many considered one of T-Mobile’s most practical giveaways yet. According to The Mobile Report, at least two separate cases have already surfaced where customers returned to find their bottles had shrunk and warped beyond recognition after being exposed to the extreme temperatures inside parked cars.

T-Mobile’s promotional water bottles are constructed from 100% recycled PET plastic, the same material commonly used in disposable water and soda bottles. While this makes them environmentally friendly, it also makes them particularly vulnerable to heat damage. PET plastic typically starts to soften and deform when exposed to high temperatures, which can easily occur inside vehicles during summer months when interior temperatures can soar well above 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

What makes these incidents particularly concerning is their rarity under normal circumstances. PET bottles melting in cars is typically an uncommon occurrence, with heat damage more frequently happening in dishwashers due to direct exposure to hot water and steam. The fact that multiple T-Mobile bottles have already succumbed to car heat on the first day of distribution suggests either exceptionally hot weather conditions or potentially lower-grade plastic construction.

Beyond the obvious inconvenience of a destroyed water bottle, there are potential health considerations as well. When plastic bottles are exposed to extreme heat, they can begin breaking down chemically, potentially releasing harmful substances into any remaining liquid inside. Even if a bottle appears undamaged after heat exposure, the contents should be replaced as a safety precaution.

For T-Mobile customers who’ve already claimed their free bottle, the recommendation is straightforward: don’t leave it in your car for extended periods, especially during hot weather. If you’ve already made this mistake and the bottle survived, consider discarding any water that was inside and thoroughly cleaning the container before refilling it.

This situation serves as a reminder that while free promotional items can offer great value, they may not always match the durability standards of premium products. T-Mobile has not yet issued any official warnings or statements regarding the heat sensitivity of their promotional bottles, but customer reports are spreading quickly across social media platforms and carrier forums.

Source: The Mobile Report