8 Items You Should Never Leave in Your Car This Summer

As the heat wave intensifies, the importance of car maintenance becomes clearer. In the summer, a car’s interior temperature can soar above 80°C (176°F), emphasizing the need to remove certain items that shouldn’t be left inside. Clearing these items from your car is essential to prevent accidents caused by the high summer temperatures.

First, avoiding leaving soda and fruit juice in the car during the summer is crucial. These beverages can mix with saliva and foster the growth of microorganisms, leading to carbon dioxide production. This process can cause containers to expand and potentially explode, which might result in a severe accident.

Second, disposable lighters pose a significant hazard. Made from flammable materials, they can explode under high temperatures. Direct sunlight exposure heightens their risk of overheating if placed on the dashboard. This can cause shrapnel to scatter or even ignite a fire inside the vehicle, so extreme caution is advised.

Third, medications should not be stored in hot cars as they can undergo dangerous chemical changes in warm and humid conditions. Some may even produce toxic substances, posing severe health risks.

Fourth, never leave sunglasses in a hot car. Many people don’t realize that high temperatures can melt the protective coatings on sunglasses, diminishing their effectiveness.

Fifth, electronic devices such as chargers, batteries, and laptops are also vulnerable to high heat, which can cause them to warp or explode. Besides, using these devices in hot conditions can lead to low-temperature burns.

Sixth, avoid leaving credit cards in direct sunlight for long periods. The heat can damage the magnetic strip, especially for cards used frequently, like those in high-pass systems. Regularly check these cards to see if you often park for extended periods.

Seventh, sneakers are prone to developing mold and emitting unpleasant odors if left in warm temperatures. Consider wearing sandals instead when driving during the summer.

Lastly, do not leave cosmetics in a hot car. Products like lipsticks and makeup are sensitive to heat and can quickly melt.

In summary, proper vehicle maintenance is essential during the summer. Avoid leaving these items in your car to ensure safe and comfortable driving in hot weather.