It is perfectly fine to use your car as storage - we all do it! But, there are certain everyday items that you should avoid leaving in your car. With temperatures hiking up, there are several things to be mindful of leaving behind that do not respond well to heat. If you aren't careful, you could compromise your belongings and your car. Here are a list of things you should never leave inside your car on a hot summer day:
- Pets - Leaving a pet alone in a parked car while you run errands can endanger your animal's health. According to PETA, animals can have brain damage from heat exposure or even die from heatstroke in as little as 15 minutes.
- Plastic Bottles - Your plastic bottles can be at risk of warping and melting in a hot car. Next time you notice an abandoned bottle in your car, it's best to throw it in the recycling bin.
- Aerosol Cans - Whether spray paint, deodorant, hairspray, or cleaning products, these items are packaged in a way that makes it very sensitive to heat. These cans usually have a clear hazard warning on their labels. If it reaches a certain temperature, the contents in the canister may expand, which could cause a blow or explosion.
- Electronics - Most of our electronics, such as phones and laptops, have batteries that can get damaged from excessive heat. Just bring those things with you to avoid ruining an expensive piece of equipment.
- Medicine and Sunscreen - Try not to leave any sunscreen or medications in high temperatures since they have potent chemical properties. Exposing these products to extreme heat can shorten their shelf life and mess with their chemical composition.
- Chocolate - Though very delicious to have, chocolate can melt quickly, leave you with a huge mess, and ultimately ruin your car's interior.
Save yourself from trouble, and avoid leaving any of these items behind in your car this summer. We welcome you to bring your vehicle to South Park Tire & Auto Center if you need an auto repair or service. Give us a call at (303) 945-3780 or visit our shop in Littleton, CO, today.