Your car might feel like a convenient spot to leave things, but some items can cause problems when left inside. Whether it’s due to temperature changes, security risks, or unexpected damage, leaving certain things in your vehicle can lead to headaches you’d rather avoid.
Knowing what to stop leaving in your car can help protect your belongings, keep you safe, and save you money in the long run. This article will guide you on key items to keep out of your vehicle for these reasons.
Medications that lose effectiveness in heat
You might not realize it, but leaving medications in your car can make them less effective. Heat can cause some drugs to break down or release too much active ingredient at once.
This is especially true for insulin, inhalers, and EpiPens. These are sensitive to temperature changes and need proper storage to work when you need them.
Even over-the-counter painkillers and prescription medications can lose potency if left in high temperatures. To keep your meds safe, store them in a cool, dry place instead of your car.
Pets left unattended in hot cars
You should never leave your pet alone in a parked car, especially on warm or sunny days. The inside of a car can heat up quickly, putting your pet at risk of heatstroke.
Even cracking the windows doesn’t keep the temperature down enough to be safe. Pets left in hot cars can suffer serious health problems or worse.
If you must bring your pet along, use a secure carrier or harness and never leave them unattended. Your pet’s safety depends on your constant care.
Important documents like passports
You should avoid leaving important documents like passports in your car. These items contain sensitive personal information that could be used for identity theft if stolen.
Even if your car seems secure, break-ins happen. Protect your identity by keeping passports and similar documents with you or stored safely at home.
Extreme temperatures inside a vehicle can damage paper documents. This can make them unreadable when you actually need them. Keeping these documents out of your car helps avoid that risk.
Electronics vulnerable to heat damage
You might think leaving your phone or tablet in the car for a short time is harmless. However, heat can cause batteries to swell or shut down unexpectedly.
Even laptops and cameras are at risk. High temperatures can damage internal parts, corrupt photos, and reduce battery lifespan.
Keeping your devices out of a hot car helps prevent costly damage and keeps them working longer. It’s a simple step that protects your gear from overheating and fading performance.
Perishable groceries and takeout
You should avoid leaving perishable groceries like meat, dairy, or seafood in your car. Heat can cause these items to spoil quickly and increase the risk of foodborne illness.
Takeout food also needs quick attention. Try to refrigerate it within two hours, or even sooner if it’s hot outside.
If you plan to eat later, keep cold foods in a cooler or insulated bag. This helps keep your food safe and fresh until you’re ready to enjoy it.