Spending time in hot weather means you need to be careful about what you leave inside your car. Heat can cause damage to certain items or even create dangerous situations without you realizing it.
Knowing which things you should never leave in a hot car helps protect both your belongings and your safety. This article will guide you through common items that don’t do well in high temperatures so you can avoid potential problems.
Pets
Never leave your pets alone in a hot car. Even for a short time, the temperature inside can rise quickly, putting your pet at serious risk.
If you must bring your pet along, make sure they are safely secured in carriers or with a harness. Always provide plenty of water and avoid leaving them unattended.
Remember, cars heat up much faster than the outside air, so it’s best to keep your pets out of hot vehicles whenever possible.
Children
You should never leave children unattended in a hot car. Even on mild days, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise quickly and become dangerous.
It only takes a few minutes for heat to build up and cause serious harm. Leaving windows slightly open does not prevent the temperature from climbing.
Always double-check your car before locking it to make sure no child is inside. Your vigilance can save a life.
Chocolate
If you leave chocolate in a hot car, it will melt quickly. The heat breaks down the structure, turning it into a sticky mess.
This can ruin the taste and texture, making it unpleasant to eat. Also, melted chocolate can create a difficult cleanup.
To keep your chocolate safe, take it with you or store it in a cooler if you expect warm weather. Your sweet treat will stay fresh and enjoyable.
Sunscreen
You might think leaving sunscreen in your car is fine, but heat can break down its active ingredients. This reduces its effectiveness and can make it less protective against the sun.
If you leave sunscreen in a hot car, it may separate or change texture, making it harder to apply smoothly. Keep your sunscreen in a cool place to make sure it works well when you need it.
Electronic devices
You should avoid leaving phones, laptops, tablets, or cameras in a hot car. High temperatures can damage their internal components and batteries.
Even if you leave them in the glovebox, heat buildup can still cause problems like battery swelling or reduced performance.
If you need to keep your gadgets in the car temporarily, try to place them in shaded, padded areas to minimize heat exposure.
Wooden musical instruments
You should avoid leaving wooden musical instruments in a hot car. Heat causes the wood to expand, which can lead to warping or cracking.
These changes affect the sound and structure of your instrument. Even short exposure to high temperatures can cause damage.
If you transport your instrument, use a protective case and never leave it in the car for long periods. Keeping it indoors helps preserve its quality.
Wine bottles
You should avoid leaving wine bottles in a hot car. Heat causes the liquid inside to expand, which may push the cork out or let air in.
High temperatures can change the flavor and aroma, making your wine taste “cooked” or off. Ideally, keep wine below 78°F to preserve its quality.
If you find your wine has been in the heat, it’s best to let it cool slowly before opening to avoid sudden pressure changes.
Refrigerated groceries
You should avoid leaving refrigerated groceries in your hot car. Items like dairy, meat, and eggs can spoil quickly when exposed to heat.
Even if it seems like a short wait, bacteria multiply faster at high temperatures, which can cause foodborne illness.
If you can’t take them inside right away, try transferring your groceries into a cooler when possible. This helps keep them safe until you get home.
Batteries
You should avoid leaving batteries in a hot car. High temperatures can cause batteries to leak or lose power faster than usual.
This applies to loose batteries and items powered by batteries, like flashlights or dashcams. Heat can damage them and affect their performance.
If you need to store batteries, keep them in a cool, stable place outside your vehicle. This will help maintain their lifespan and safety.
Medication
You should avoid leaving medication in a hot car. High temperatures can change the chemical makeup of many medicines. This can make them less effective or even unsafe.
Always check the storage instructions on your medication labels. If it says to keep it at room temperature, don’t leave it in your car on warm days. Taking your medicine with you helps keep it working properly.
Lip balm
You might think lip balm is harmless to leave in a hot car, but heat can cause it to melt and leak. This not only makes a mess but can ruin your product.
The texture and effectiveness of your lip balm can change after being exposed to high temperatures. It’s best to keep it somewhere cool and avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or hot cars.
Crayons
If you leave crayons in your car on a hot day, they can easily melt. This creates a sticky mess that’s hard to clean off your seats or carpets.
The heat can also damage the crayons, making them unusable for drawing. To keep your car clean and your crayons in good shape, take them with you or store them in a cooler spot.