Additional Coverage:
- 15 Things You Should Never Keep in Your Car (blog.cheapism.com)
We’ve all been there. A quick errand turns into a longer trip, and suddenly your car’s backseat resembles a storage locker.
This can be risky, even inviting theft. Worse, leaving valuables visible can lead to a broken window and a costly repair.
While it’s tempting to leave things in your car, some items should never be stored there. Here’s why.
Never leave children, seniors, or pets unattended in a vehicle. Interior temperatures can quickly become dangerously hot or cold, even with cracked windows. This can lead to heatstroke or other serious health problems.
Purses, wallets, cash, and important documents should always be removed. These items are tempting targets for thieves, who know all the common hiding spots. Leaving these items also puts you at risk for identity theft.
Electronics, including phones, laptops, and cameras, are also vulnerable to extreme temperatures. Heat can damage lithium-ion batteries, while cold can drain battery life and harm screens. Plus, electronics are attractive to thieves.
Medications can lose their effectiveness if exposed to extreme heat or cold. Store medications in a cool, dry place according to their instructions.
Aerosol cans like hairspray and deodorant can explode in a hot car. The propellants inside expand under high temperatures, creating a dangerous situation.
Lighters are another fire hazard. The pressurized flammable gas can ignite in extreme heat.
Perishable food spoils quickly in a warm car, creating unpleasant odors and potential health risks from bacteria growth.
Plastic water bottles can leach chemicals into the water when heated. Additionally, stagnant water in bottles can harbor bacteria.
Batteries can leak corrosive fluids and release hazardous fumes when exposed to high temperatures. They can even burst, creating a fire hazard.
Eyeglasses and sunglasses can warp, melt, or become brittle due to temperature extremes.
Makeup can melt, separate, or become crumbly in a hot car. Temperature fluctuations can also promote bacteria growth.
Wine and liquor are sensitive to temperature. Heat can alter the taste of wine and cause evaporation in spirits.
Musical instruments, especially those made of wood, can warp or expand in high temperatures, affecting their sound and playability.
Canned beverages can explode due to pressure buildup from heat, creating a mess and potentially a dangerous situation. Temperature changes can also affect the taste and carbonation of the drink.
Finally, art supplies like paints, pastels, and crayons are sensitive to temperature changes. They can melt, become brittle, or change consistency in a hot car. Canvases and paper can also be damaged by heat and sunlight.
Read More About This Story:
- 15 Things You Should Never Keep in Your Car (blog.cheapism.com)