Summer is here, and that means more sunshine, more heat, and more fun. But it also means more risks for your car and the things you leave inside it. Did you know that the temperature inside your car can rise by as much as 70% in just minutes in the summer heat? That can be dangerous for you, your passengers, and your belongings.
The Dangers of Leaving Things in Your Car in Hot Weather
In this article, we will tell you about six things you should never leave in your car in hot weather, and why they can pose serious hazards for your health and safety.
Glasses
If you wear glasses or sunglasses, you might want to avoid leaving them in your car during hot weather. The heat can warp the frame and fitting of your glasses and make them uncomfortable or unusable. The lenses can also crack or get scratched by other items in your car. Moreover, some glasses can act as magnifying glasses and focus the sunlight on flammable materials, creating a fire hazard. Keep your glasses with you or store them in a protective case.
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Children and pets
This one should be obvious, but sadly, many people still leave their children or pets inside their car while they run errands. This is extremely dangerous, as children and pets are more vulnerable to heatstroke and suffocation than adults. Heatstroke can cause brain damage, organ failure, and death. Even if you crack the windows or park in the shade, it is not enough to prevent the temperature inside your car from rising to lethal levels. Never leave your children or pets in your car, not even for a few minutes.
Water bottles
You might think that keeping a water bottle in your car is a good idea to stay hydrated, but think again. Plastic water bottles can release a chemical called bisphenol A (BPA) when exposed to high temperatures. BPA is an endocrine disruptor that can interfere with your hormones and cause various health problems, such as cancer, diabetes, and infertility. Instead of leaving water bottles in your car, bring a reusable bottle with you and fill it up with fresh water when you need it.
Electronics
Mobile phones, laptops, power banks, and other electronic devices contain batteries that can overheat and catch fire when left in a hot car. The heat can also damage the circuits and components of your devices and reduce their performance and lifespan. Moreover, leaving your electronics in plain sight can attract thieves who might break into your car and steal them. Always take your electronics with you or hide them in a secure place.
Medicines
Many medicines need to be stored at a certain temperature range to maintain their effectiveness and safety. Leaving them in a hot car can alter their chemical composition and make them less potent or even harmful. Some medicines that are especially sensitive to heat are insulin, antibiotics, antihistamines, and painkillers. Facial products like sunscreen, creams, or lotions can also lose their protective properties when exposed to heat. Keep your medicines and facial products in a cool and dry place or carry them in an insulated bag.
Gaseous items
Gas cylinders, lighters, perfumes, air fresheners, disinfectants, and sprays are items that can explode at any time and cause a fire in your car. These items contain flammable substances that can expand and burst when exposed to heat. The explosion can also damage other items in your car or injure anyone nearby. Keep these items out of your car or store them in a cool and dry place.
Leaving things in your car in hot weather can be dangerous for you and your belongings. To avoid the risks of heat damage, explosion, fire, theft, or health problems, always check your car before you leave it and take out anything that could be affected by the heat. Remember that your car is not a storage space; it is a vehicle that needs proper care and maintenance.
We hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback on this topic, please let us know in the comments below. We would love to hear from you. Stay safe and enjoy the summer!.