Things you should never leave in your car during the summer

As the mercury rises, our cars can turn into veritable ovens. Even with the windows cracked, the internal temperature of a car parked in the sun can soar to dangerous levels. This intense heat can wreak havoc on various items left inside, posing safety risks and causing potential damage. Here’s a rundown of things you should never leave in your car during the summer.

Electronics

Leaving electronics such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and cameras in a hot car can cause them to overheat and malfunction. Extreme temperatures can damage the battery, warp the internal components, and render the device useless. If you must leave electronics in your car, keep them in the trunk or under seats where it's relatively cooler.

Bottled Water

It’s a common sight to see bottled water rolling around in cars, but in the summer, this can be risky. The heat can cause the plastic to release harmful chemicals like BPA into the water, making it unsafe to drink. Additionally, in rare cases, the water bottle can act as a magnifying glass and potentially start a fire.]

Aerosol Cans

Aerosol cans, such as deodorants, hairsprays, and air fresheners, can explode when exposed to high temperatures. The pressure inside the cans increases with the heat, leading to a potentially dangerous situation. Always store these products in a cool place.

Medications

Many medications can lose their efficacy when exposed to high temperatures. Heat can alter the chemical composition of some drugs, making them less effective or even harmful. Always check the storage instructions on your medication and keep them in a cool, dry place.

Perishable Foods

Leaving groceries or any perishable foods in a hot car can lead to spoilage and foodborne illnesses. Dairy products, meat, and even certain fruits and vegetables can quickly become unsafe to consume. Plan your errands so that grocery shopping is your last stop, ensuring you can take your items directly to a refrigerator.

Sunscreen

Ironically, the product designed to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays shouldn’t be left in the heat. High temperatures can degrade sunscreen’s active ingredients, rendering it ineffective. Keep your sunscreen in a cooler bag or take it with you when you leave the car.

Chocolate and Candy

Chocolate and candies can quickly melt in a hot car, creating a sticky mess that's hard to clean. Beyond the mess, some candies can change in texture and taste when they melt and resolidify. It’s best to keep sweet treats in a cooler place.

Lip Balm and Makeup

Makeup products, especially lip balm and lipstick, can melt in the heat, leading to a gooey mess. High temperatures can also cause makeup to lose its texture and effectiveness. Keep your cosmetics in a portable makeup bag that you can easily take with you.

CDs and DVDs

While not as commonly used today, CDs and DVDs can warp and become unplayable when exposed to high temperatures. The heat can cause the materials to expand and bend, ruining your favourite music or movie collection.

Important Documents

Documents such as passports, chequebooks, and paperwork can be damaged by heat and sunlight. The ink can fade, and the paper can become brittle or discoloured. Store important documents in a cool, safe place.

Tips to Keep Your Car Cool

Park in the Shade: Whenever possible, park your car in a shaded area to minimize the internal temperature.

Use Sunshades: Invest in good-quality sunshades for your windshield and windows to block out the sun’s rays.

Tinted Windows: Consider having your car windows tinted, which can significantly reduce heat buildup.

Ventilation: Leave windows slightly cracked to allow for airflow, but ensure it's not enough for someone to break in.

Cooler Bags: Keep a cooler bag in your car for items that need to stay cool, especially when running errands.

Being mindful of what you leave in your car during the summer can save you from unpleasant surprises and potential hazards. By taking a few precautionary measures, you can keep your belongings safe and intact, no matter how high the temperatures soar.