Storing various items you may need in your car is a good idea, but there are some things you should never store in your vehicle. Make sure to balance convenience with common sense. Using your car as a storage space may increase the risk of damage to valuable items and even to the car itself. Be careful not to store any of these things in your car.
Aerosol Cans
Aerosol products can explode in your vehicle when it’s warm. Aerosol cans can withstand temperatures up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, but internal car temperatures often exceed that on extremely hot days. If it reaches that extreme temperature, it can cause the can to burst, damaging windows and the car’s interior, or worse, injuring anyone who is in the car.
Art Supplies
High temperatures can also make crayons, markers, and paint melt, potentially damaging your car’s upholstery. Similarly, cold days may cause your art supplies to freeze and lose their viscosity or integrity. Never leave art supplies in your car when you reach your destination.
Batteries
Extreme temperatures can shorten a battery’s lifespan. Too much heat can also be dangerous — overheated batteries can burst, leaking corrosive acids, damaging the car’s interior. Instead, it’s a good idea to bring your batteries indoors and store them away from windows in a cool, dry place. Never store them in your vehicle!
Glasses
Most cars come with a built-in overhead compartment for glasses, but using it as a long-term storage space is a bad idea. Very warm temperatures may cause plastic frames and lenses to warp, resulting in glasses that are blurry and no longer fit your face. If it’s a hot day, keep your glasses in the compartment for safekeeping while driving, but take them inside when you get home.
Gym Clothes
Tossing your gym bag in the trunk of your car after a hard workout may seem like a good idea, but sweaty clothing left in warm temperatures can permeate the car with unpleasant odors. Bring it inside to avoid having to deodorize your car.
Laptops & Tablets
Even mild summer days can cause damage to a laptop or tablet that is beyond repair. Temperatures as low as 70 degrees can overheat these devices in as little as 45 minutes, potentially lowering the battery life and damaging the screen.
Medications
Prescriptions can become ineffective if exposed to hot or cold temperatures. When traveling, store medicine in the car’s seating area, not in warmer areas such as the glove compartment or your pocket.
It’s a smart idea to keep it accessible, such as in a purse or next to your wallet, so you don’t forget it when leaving the vehicle.
Important Documents
Of course you want to keep documents related to your vehicle in your car, such as registration and proof of insurance. But, don’t keep any other government documents in the vehicle. You won’t need your social security card or birth certificate while driving, and keeping them in the car increases the odds of these documents getting lost, damaged, or stolen. For safety and security, never store in your vehicle!
Plastic Water Bottles
It is not a good idea to store plastic water bottles for a long time in your car. if exposed to direct sunlight, the combination of plastic and water creates a magnifying effect that may ignite something flammable.
In addition, water in plastic bottles containing BPA that has been exposed to heat may leach harmful chemicals. Store plastic water bottles in a cooler or at least out of direct sunlight when you’re on the road.
Sunscreen
When exposed to direct sunlight for too long, the chemical ingredients of sunscreen may significantly degrade, offering little to no protection from UV rays. Avoid the problem by applying sunscreen before you leave home or keeping it in your bag.
Wine
Wine expands when exposed to heat. This will not only ruin its flavor, but can also cause the cork to pop out, spilling wine all over. Keep it in a cool, dark place, not in your car.
