We’ve all heard of those horror stories about what happens when you leave random and seemingly normal items in your car. When exposed to the elements, danger can ensue. Read to find out which top 7 items pose a threat to you and your vehicle.
Electronics
It’s safe to say that you shouldn’t leave your shiny new airpods or phone in your car due to the chance of theft alone, but more than that, exposure to the elements! From the below 40 freezing temperatures we experience in winter to the +30 heat in the summer, our smartphones which contain lithium-ion batteries could be seriously compromised.
Manufacturers usually list optimal temperature windows and warn that leaving devices in your car may result in it shutting down, being temporarily unusable or suffering internal damage. I think it’s safe to say that you should just keep your expensive tech belongings on your person!
Personal Documents
Leaving personal documents such as bank statements, ID, cheques, or tax information can be disastrous. Doing such can intrigue theft which can result in breaks ins and sometimes even vehicle theft. In the event that someone breaks into your vehicle, your personal information immediately becomes vulnerable and possibly even compromised. Better to be safe than sorry.
Medications
Leaving prescription medications in your vehicle, whether it be in the console or the glovebox decreases the overall efficacy of the product. Being exposed to extreme heat or extreme cold is very damaging. Most medications suggest that they should be stored at room temperature for optimal effectiveness. Messing with medications can be dangerous and harmful to your health, so ensure that you keep them in your house.
Food & Drink
We know that water expands when it freezes, which means leaving the flat of water you just bought in your vehicle isn’t necessarily the smartest idea. So when it comes to canned liquids, you may experience something similar. you may want to be even more careful with canned liquids under extreme temperatures and pressure, as explosions can occur, leaving the interior of your vehicle an undesirable shade of brown.
Leaving various foods such as eggs and canned foods can also go south quick. When left in a vehicle for prolonged periods of time, it can change the consistency of the product, ruining it and rendering it inedible. This is especially true in the winter when perishable foods can go bad quickly.
Aerosol Cans
After explaining the ways in which canned sodas can explode, it basically goes without saying that it also applies to aerosol cans. This means any type of cooking sprays, spray paints, or hairsprays left alone in the car are all off-limits for safety reasons. So the next time you’re going shopping, think twice about how long those products will be stuck in there.
Conclusion
Looks like you’re equipped with all you need to know about what NOT to leave in your car throughout the cold winter months. At the end of the day, we as humans can sometimes be forgetful. If you do find yourself with a soda explosion or broken windows due to theft, Universal Collision Centre can help you out. Check out our services and auto spa tabs to learn more.
Have you heard of any horror stories about leaving seemingly normal items in your car? If so, we want to hear from you! Comment below and let us know.
