16 Items You Should Never Keep in a Car

Your car is a convenient storage space, but some items should never be left inside due to safety and preservation concerns. Extreme temperatures, theft risks, and potential damage can turn your vehicle into a hazardous environment for certain belongings. Understanding what not to keep in your car can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your possessions. From electronics to perishable food, knowing the risks associated with each item is crucial. Here are 16 items you should never leave in your car, along with reasons why they are best kept elsewhere.

Laptops, tablets, and smartphones are not only attractive to thieves but can also suffer damage from temperature fluctuations. Heat can warp components and drain batteries, while cold can reduce battery life. Additionally, extreme temperatures can cause the screens to crack or malfunction. It’s best to keep your valuable electronics with you to avoid costly repairs or replacements.

Many medications need to be stored at room temperature to remain effective. Extreme heat or cold can degrade the potency of your medicines, potentially rendering them ineffective. This can be dangerous, especially if you rely on those medications for your health. Always take your medications with you to ensure they remain safe and effective.

Leaving documents like your passport, birth certificate, or sensitive financial information in your car can be a risky move. They’re valuable to identity thieves and can be damaged by humidity and temperature changes. Important documents should be kept in a secure and stable environment. Carry them with you or store them in a safe place at home to protect your identity and sensitive information.

Food items left in a hot car can spoil quickly, leading to unpleasant odors and potential health hazards. Even in colder weather, leaving food out can attract pests and create a mess. Spoiled food can cause foodborne illnesses if consumed. It’s best to remove any perishable food from your car as soon as possible to maintain safety and cleanliness.

Aerosol cans, such as deodorant or spray paint, can explode if exposed to high temperatures. The heat can cause the pressure inside the can to build up, resulting in a dangerous situation. An explosion can damage your car and cause injury. It’s safer to store aerosol cans in a cool, stable environment away from your vehicle.

Sunscreen left in a hot car can lose its effectiveness. The heat can break down the active ingredients, reducing its ability to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Without effective sunscreen, you’re at a higher risk of sunburn and skin damage. Always carry your sunscreen with you and store it in a cool place.

Plastic bottles can leach chemicals into the water when exposed to heat. These chemicals, like BPA, can be harmful to your health if ingested over time. The heat can also cause the plastic to warp and affect the taste of the water. To stay safe, take your water bottle with you or use a stainless steel container.

Leaving cash in your car is an open invitation to thieves. Even if hidden, a determined thief might still find it. Additionally, heat and moisture can damage the physical bills. It’s wiser to carry your cash with you or store it in a secure location at home.

Just like human food, pet food can spoil if left in a hot car. Spoiled pet food can make your furry friends sick and can also attract pests. It’s important to keep pet food in a cool, dry place to ensure its freshness and safety. Always take pet food with you to avoid potential health issues for your pets.

Wine is sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Heat can cause it to age prematurely and lose its intended flavor profile. If the temperature gets too high, the cork can pop out, creating a mess. For the best quality, store wine in a cool, stable environment away from your car.

Instruments made of wood or other sensitive materials can warp or crack when exposed to extreme temperatures. This can affect their sound quality and overall condition. Leaving them in a car can cause irreversible damage. To protect your instruments, keep them in a controlled environment.

Heat can cause makeup products to melt and separate, making them unusable. Cold temperatures can also affect the texture and performance of certain products. Makeup left in a car can become contaminated or spoiled. It’s best to carry your makeup with you and store it in a cool, dry place.

Candles can melt in a hot car, creating a waxy mess that’s difficult to clean. Even if they don’t melt completely, they can become deformed and unusable. The extreme temperatures can also affect the scent and performance of the candles. Store candles in a cool, dry place to maintain their shape and quality.

Canned drinks can explode if they freeze, and the carbonation in sodas can cause the cans to burst in high heat. This can create a sticky mess and potentially damage your car’s interior. Extreme temperatures can also affect the taste and quality of the beverages. It’s best to store canned drinks in a controlled environment to avoid these issues.

Items like glassware, ceramics, or other fragile materials can easily break if left in a car, especially if it’s moving or if they’re exposed to extreme temperatures. The jostling and vibrations from driving can cause delicate items to shatter. Additionally, temperature changes can weaken materials and make them more prone to breaking. Always transport fragile items carefully and avoid leaving them in your car.

Items such as your driver’s license, social security card, or other forms of identification should not be left in your car. If stolen, they can be used for identity theft, leading to significant problems. Even if hidden, these documents are best kept in a secure location at home. Carry only what you need and ensure your personal information is protected.

Being mindful of what you leave in your car can prevent a variety of issues, from theft to damage caused by extreme temperatures. By taking a few extra moments to remove these sensitive items, you can protect your belongings and ensure they remain in good condition. Additionally, this practice can save you money and stress in the long run. Always think ahead and prioritize the safety and integrity of your possessions. With these tips in mind, you can keep your car and your items safe and secure.