14 Common Items You Should Never Leave in Your Car

You just got home and realized you forgot something in your car—we all have been there. It’s tempting to just say, “I’ll get it later,” and, to be fair, it’s usually fine to do so. However, you may come to regret it one day. There are some items that really shouldn’t be left in your car for several reasons, ranging from safety to theft. Here are 14 items that should never be left in your vehicle – you might not find them there when you return.

Electronics

In summer, cabin temperatures can reach 30 degrees more than those outside. Such high temperatures are not welcoming for electronics such as phones, laptops, or cameras. Lithium-ion batteries, typically used in these devices, are not made to bear these heat waves and can die after too much exposure. So, don’t let the vehicle’s cabin host these types of equipment. 

Not to mention, even if the heat doesn’t damage these items, they might catch the eye of the wrong person, who only needs the smallest excuse to break into your car.

Wallet

A wallet or cash displayed on your dashboard or anywhere inside your cabin that is easily visible is a hard-to-ignore invitation for a thief. Even as little as a spare change inside the cup holder is enough to attract trouble to break into your car. So, avoid making such a mistake and ensure your wallet stays in your pocket as you leave the vehicle.

Important Documents

Speaking of breaking in, don’t ever take the risk of keeping your sensitive documents inside the vehicle. It may prove risky if a thief gets their hands on your tax forms, passport, financial statements, etc. Confidential information in these documents can then be used for potential identity theft and fraud on your name.

Flammable Items 

This is a warning for all smokers who forget flammables such as lighters in their vehicles. Please carry your lighters with you, as they, too, are unstable at harsh temperatures. The lighter has gas, which can cause it to explode. If you love your car, keep the lighter away from it.

Aerosol cans

From deodorant to household cleaner, these pressurized cans will also act as explosives when exposed to temperatures above 120 F, which is not a hard target to reach during a sunny day. So, it’s wise to keep them away from your car, especially when the summer season is on the calendar.

Canned Beverages

If you enjoy soda while driving, you probably have left a can on your car’s seat. Just like electronics, a canned beverage is also sensitive to high temperatures. The heat causes carbon dioxide molecules inside the drink to become more excited, pushing them onto the insides of the can. As the pressure level rises, the can acts like a “little bomb” and explodes. Trust us, your interior is not going to look the same, even if you clean the sticky aftermath of the soda catastrophe.

Wine

A hot cabin is also a recipe for ruining a perfectly great wine, as it fails to offer the optimal environment. When exposed to heat, the oxidation process in your bottle accelerates, making the wine appear brown. This is a signal that your wine’s taste has gone bad.

Medicines

The pills and syrup are highly temperature-sensitive. According to Baystate Health, anything more than 59 to 77 degrees F is a threat. High heat levels will make your medicine unstable and even degrade, posing severe health risks.

Groceries

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, keeping food out of the reach of a refrigerator for more than two hours can cause problems. If the temperature climbs over 90 degrees F, this time comes down to just one hour. Letting groceries rest in your vehicle beyond these temperature limits can promote bacteria growth, making edibles unhealthy.

Water Bottles

It’s not uncommon to leave your water bottle inside your cabin. However, don’t take a sip from this bottle after returning to your vehicle. On an average summer day, the interior can create an environment hot enough to leach the chemicals from the plastic bottle into the water. As your bottle is now invaded by Bisphenol A (BPA), consuming it means significant health risks since this chemical can cause heart disease and even diabetes.

Art Supplies

The excessive heat inside the interior can make a colorful mess. Art supplies, such as crayons, pastels, etc, are prone to melting when exposed to rising heat digits. Leaving these in your vehicle might cause you to scrape off melted crayons from your brand-new seats.

Cosmetics

Ladies, quality cosmetic items are not just a couple of bucks, so why risk destroying your expensive makeup by forgetting it in the back seat? Thanks to the hot cabin, your new lipstick can also turn into a puddle of wax. In the case of a chilly winter day, items, such as mascara, can turn useless if it freezes.

Sunscreen

With the sun not being so merciful these days, the presence of sunscreen in your car is not surprising. Although it can be really handy, it’s a great idea to take it out of your cabin as soon as you come back from work. As the bottle remains inside at high temperatures, the protective chemicals that act as a shield on your skin break down. As a result, your sunscreen becomes useless when battling sunlight.

Pets

Not an item but a living being. Your cabin can quickly reach over 115 degrees F, which will show no mercy to the life of your precious pet. Also, when panicked or feeling threatened, pets can turn aggressive. Scuffs and scratches all over your new leather and plastic will make it look bad. So, make sure that your furry friend joins you. 

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