Sometimes we can’t help but leave certain items in our car. Out of convenience, we leave some items in our vehicle not realizing that it is hazardous due to extreme temperatures of the vehicles. Listed below are 13 items that should not be kept in our vehicles:

  1. Medicine – To maintain their efficacy they must be kept at controlled temperatures as prescribed on their labels.
  2. Electronics – Devices experience long-term damage and in some cases, batteries become permanently damaged.
  3. Sunscreen – Like medicine, when your car overheats, the ingredients in the product that help you become less effective.
  4. Glasses – The sun can cause plastic frames to melt and wrap which permanently damages the fit.
  5. Aerosol Cans – hairspray, dry shampoo, etc – If exposed to extreme temperatures the cans can expand and explode while their contents are extremely flammable.
  6. Plastic Water Bottles – Harmful substances such as BPA and more may leak into the water from the plastic due to extreme heat. If water bottles are left in direct sunlight, the plastic may act as a lens and direct the sun rays to a specified spot creating a flame.
  7. Groceries –  Leaving food in the car exposes the food to extreme temperatures which leads to foodborne illness.
  8. Wet Clothing – Damp clothes may breed bacteria and become moldy causing infection when put on again.
  9. Crayons – These are not hazardous, but they will leave you with a difficult mess to clean up!
  10. Flashlights – Avoid storing battery-powered flashlights in your vehicle. Batteries may leak and lose power when exposed to high temperatures.
  11. Make up – Make up is pricey and keeping them in the car could cost you lots of money. Temperatures of vehicles may lead to products freezing or melting.
  12. Lighters – The liquid of the lighter may leak out and create a serious fire hazard when the temperature in your car gets too high.
  13. Gum – Gum may melt and become gooey during the summer and may freeze during the winter.