13 Surprising Items You Should Never Keep in Your Car
We all spend a lot of time in our cars, whether it’s commuting to work, running errands, or going on road trips. It’s easy to treat your car like a second home, but there are certain items you should never leave inside. Some things can become safety hazards, while others may get damaged by extreme temperatures. To help you avoid unnecessary risks or damage, here are 13 surprising things you should never keep in your car.
Medications
Leaving medications in your car can be dangerous, especially in extreme temperatures. Heat can cause some drugs to lose their effectiveness, while cold can cause others to freeze and become unusable. Plus, if your car is broken into, your medications could be stolen and abused. Always carry your medications with you or store them in a secure place at home.
Electronics
Leaving your laptop, tablet, or other electronic devices in your car can be a big mistake. Not only are they attractive to thieves, but extreme temperatures can also damage their delicate components. Heat can cause batteries to explode, while cold can crack screens and damage hard drives. If you must leave electronics in your car, keep them out of sight and bring them inside as soon as possible.
Sunscreen
Believe it or not, leaving sunscreen in your car can actually make it less effective. Exposure to heat can cause the active ingredients in sunscreen to break down and lose their ability to protect your skin from UV rays. Plus, if the bottle gets too hot, it could explode and create a messy situation. Always store your sunscreen in a cool, dry place at home.
Aerosol Cans
Aerosol cans, such as spray paint, hairspray, and deodorant, can be dangerous when left in a hot car. The heat can cause the pressure inside the can to build up, leading to an explosion. Not only can this cause damage to your car, but it can also be hazardous to your health if you inhale the fumes. If you must transport aerosol cans, keep them in a cool, ventilated area.
Perishable Food
Leaving perishable food in your car is a recipe for disaster, especially in warm weather. Bacteria can grow rapidly in the heat, leading to food poisoning and other illnesses. Plus, the smell of spoiled food can be hard to get rid of. If you’re going to be running errands for more than an hour, leave your groceries at home or bring a cooler with ice packs.
Plastic Water Bottles
Leaving plastic water bottles in your car can be bad for your health and the environment. When exposed to heat, plastic can leach chemicals like BPA into the water, which has been linked to various health problems. Plus, if the bottle gets too hot, it could warp or melt, leaving a mess in your car. Always carry a reusable water bottle with you instead.
Lighters
Leaving a lighter in your car might seem harmless, but it can actually be quite dangerous. In extreme heat, the pressure inside the lighter can build up and cause it to explode. This can not only damage your car, but it can also cause serious injury if you’re nearby. If you smoke, always carry your lighter with you and never leave it in your vehicle.
Wet Swimsuits and Towels
After a fun day at the beach or pool, it’s tempting to just toss your wet swimsuit and towel in the car and head home. However, this can create a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, which can lead to unpleasant odors and even health problems. Always hang your swimsuit and towel out to dry before storing them in your car, or better yet, pack them in a plastic bag until you can wash them at home.
Canned Food
While canned food is generally shelf-stable, leaving it in a hot car can cause the can to expand and explode. Not only is this a messy situation to clean up, but it can also be dangerous if the contents of the can are under pressure. If you need to transport canned food, keep it in a cooler or insulated bag.
Makeup
Leaving your makeup in the car can cause it to melt, separate, or even harbor bacteria. Exposure to heat and humidity can change the texture and effectiveness of your favorite products, leading to clumpy mascara, melted lipstick, and dried-out foundation. Always store your makeup in a cool, dry place at home, and only bring what you need with you when you’re on the go.
Batteries
Leaving batteries in your car can be dangerous, especially in extreme temperatures. Heat can cause batteries to leak or even explode, while cold can drain their charge and reduce their lifespan. If you need to transport batteries, keep them in a cool, dry place and never leave them in your car for extended periods of time.
Important Documents
Leaving important documents like your passport, social security card, or birth certificate in your car is a big no-no. Not only are they attractive to identity thieves, but they can also be easily damaged by moisture, heat, or even a spilled coffee. Always keep your important documents in a secure place at home, and only bring them with you when absolutely necessary.
Valuables
Finally, it should go without saying that you should never leave valuables like jewelry, cash, or sentimental items in your car. Even if you think your car is secure, thieves can be crafty and determined. If you must leave valuables in your car, keep them out of sight and lock them in the trunk or a hidden compartment. Better yet, leave them at home or carry them with you whenever possible.
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