18 Items Should Never Leave in the Car: A Practical Guide

Our vehicles often double as storage units for the things we carry in our daily lives. However, certain items can pose safety risks or incur damage when left inside. Here are some crucial items to never leave in your car, along with the potential consequences.

1. **Young Children**: It seems unimaginable, but every year, instances occur where children are left inside vehicles, leading to tragic outcomes. A parked car can heat up rapidly, reaching temperatures that endanger a child’s life. This risk of heatstroke is grave, with 38 children in the U.S. losing their lives each year due to being left in hot vehicles. Always take your children with you, regardless of how short you expect your errand to be.

2. **Pets**: Similar to children, pets are extremely susceptible to the dangers of heat inside a parked car. Temperatures can soar to life-threatening levels, making it critical to never leave them alone in your vehicle. Many states have laws in place to prevent such neglect, highlighting the importance of keeping our furry friends safe.

3. **Electronic Devices**: Leaving gadgets like laptops, tablets, or smartphones in your car not only attracts thieves but can also lead to overheating, which may cause irreparable damage to the devices. Moreover, the personal data stored on these devices can pose a risk if stolen. Always take your electronics with you to prevent thefts and protect your information.

4. **Wallet or Purse**: Temptation increases for thieves when they spot a wallet or purse inside a vehicle. Even if hidden, a determined burglar can find and take them, resulting in loss of cash, cards, and potentially leading to identity theft. Avoid leaving these items in your car to protect yourself from financial and identity risks.

5. **Cash and Coins**: Even the sight of small change can entice a thief to break into your car. The potential financial loss far outweighs the convenience of leaving spare coins behind, so it’s wise to remove any visible cash from your vehicle.

6. **Important Documents**: Papers like passports or tax forms contain sensitive information that could be exploited for identity theft if stolen. If you need to transport these documents, do so with caution, and never leave them unattended in your car.

7. **Water Bottles**: On sweltering days, the heat can cause chemicals from plastic bottles to leach into the water, posing health risks. It’s best to avoid leaving plastic bottles inside a hot car, reducing exposure to potentially harmful substances.

8. **Wine and Canned Beverages**: High temperatures can ruin the flavor of wine and even cause cans to explode, creating a mess and possible damage to your vehicle’s interior. To preserve the quality of your beverages and avoid sticky spills, it’s best to take them inside.

9. **Groceries**: The USDA advises against leaving refrigerated foods out for too long, with high temperatures accelerating spoilage. Not only does this pose health risks, but it can also lead to unpleasant odors in your car.

10. **Medications**: The heat can degrade the active ingredients in medications, rendering them less effective. If you need to keep medications in your car, use a cooler to maintain safe temperatures and ensure their efficacy.

11. **Sunglasses**: Leaving your sunglasses in a car might seem harmless, but high temperatures can cause the plastic frames to melt or warp, and metal components might get too hot. This can lead to irreversible damage, making them uncomfortable to wear or even unusable. Always take your sunglasses with you to ensure they stay in great condition.

12. **Lighters**: A lighter left in your car is a potential hazard. Extreme heat can cause the gas inside to expand, resulting in leaks or even an explosion. This not only poses a risk of fire but can also leave a mess. For safety’s sake, always remove lighters from your car, especially during hot weather.

13. **Batteries**: Whether it’s a spare set for your flashlight or those powering your gadgets, batteries can be problematic in fluctuating temperatures. Heat can cause them to leak or even burst, while cold can drain their energy. To avoid these risks and maintain their longevity, it’s wise to keep batteries out of your vehicle.

14. **Plastic Bottles**: Many of us carry water bottles for convenience, but leaving plastic bottles in a hot car can be dangerous. The heat can cause harmful chemicals to leach into the water, and there’s even a risk of the bottle igniting under the right conditions. It’s best to take your bottle with you or leave it in a cooler environment.

15. **Musical Instruments**: For musicians, their instruments are precious; however, leaving them in a car can lead to significant damage. Heat and humidity changes can warp or crack the wood, ruining the sound and aesthetic. To protect your instrument, always bring it with you or store it in a controlled environment.

16. **Plants**: While plants can liven up your car interior, they’re sensitive to temperature changes. A car can quickly become too hot or cold, causing stress to your plants. Wilting, browning, or even dying can occur if left too long. If you love your greenery, it’s best to avoid leaving them behind.

17. **Art Supplies**: Artistic materials, such as crayons and pastels, can be destroyed by heat. They can easily melt, leaving a colorful mess that’s difficult to clean. If you’re transporting art supplies, make sure they’re in a cool place or take them with you to avoid damage and mess.

18. **Cosmetics**: Makeup products are delicate and can be ruined by extreme temperatures. Heat can cause items like lipstick or cream-based products to melt, changing their consistency and effectiveness. To ensure your beauty products remain intact and usable, it’s best to take them with you.

Our cars are more than just a means of transportation; they’re extensions of our lives. However, the convenience of storing items there must be balanced with caution. By being mindful of what we leave behind, we protect not only our belongings but also the integrity and safety of our vehicles. So, next time you park, think twice about what stays in your car. These small actions can make a big difference in keeping your car in top shape and your mind at ease.

Related posts:
Never leave in your vehicle – 20 Things
7 Items You Should Never Leave In Your Car
What Should I Not Leave in a Hot Car?