Of course, it is above all a means of transport. However, we spend so much time there that we can sometimes leave a certain number of things in our car. It can quickly be transformed into makeshift storage where the mess quickly accumulates. In addition, we often think we are doing well by keeping certain elements on hand. However, some things definitely don’t belong in a car and shouldn’t be stored there. To preserve your health, safety and efficiency, clear out your cluttered interior.
It’s cold ? Discover the objects at risk in winter in the vehicle cabin here. And as for objects at risk in summer, it’s this way!
1) Let’s start by remembering that animals and children have no place there!
Of course, these are not things! However, we still see too many young children and animals waiting alone in the car. So, a little booster shot won’t hurt some people, because they run big risks even for a short time. Temperatures can in fact reach and exceed 40°C in less than ten minutes in the passenger compartment, which is deadly. Moreover, hundreds of animals still die every year because of this error. And it is not for nothing that law considers this to be an act of mistreatment… And a small window opening and some shade don’t change anything. Moreover, it is sometimes possible to break the car window if we consider that the danger is proven.
The extra thing: Pay attention to don’t leave your plants there too much either. Fearing the cold as much as the heat, they can quickly suffer from their exposure to the sometimes extreme temperatures and lights of the car. So, they can die in almost an hour… So, when you transport them or buy them, preserve their foliage by removing them from the passenger compartment as quickly as possible!
2) In the pantheon of things not to leave in your car: the plastic bottle
It is true that studies on the subject sometimes lack a little clarity. However, leaving your bottle in a hot car or under the sun causes it to contamination. In fact, the plastic in the bottle degrades with high temperatures and light. Components such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde can be released into water. Besides the disgusting plastic tastewe therefore run risks that can range from stomach aches or indigestion to more serious health problems. Numerous studies have established a link between BPA and phthalates with heart problems and cancer. In addition, micro-organisms quickly invade and your good water will no longer be what it was! Finally, this increases the risk of fire in the passenger compartmentthe plastic functioning like a magnifying glass.
3) Electronic devices are also one of the things not to leave in your car
Unfortunately, they attract the desire of thieves, and not only because of their high cost! Indeed, the information they contain about us is worth gold for dishonest people. Our computers, tablets, phones and other gadgets know everything about us and our personal or bank details. So, don’t hesitate to add codes to connect to the device and strong passwords. But of course, the best thing is toavoid keeping these devices in sight and away from you.
4) Be careful with your important documents
Do you keep important personal documents that you need to destroy or important files to send by post? So, don’t store them in your car for too long, because what is personal and important will also attract dishonest people. So, process these documents as quickly as possible to avoid taking any risks. As for your passport, be careful when traveling! The reason why this is something not to leave in your car is because it is an identity document and these are as valuable to us as they are to others! So it is necessary see it as an object of value just like her jewelry, her handbag or her electronic devices.
5) Never leave your glasses in your vehicle
… or in any case, not without protecting them in the glove box! As explained in our article on eyeglass care, frames are particularly sensitive to heat. So, where the plastic will meltthe metal risks deform or burn you if you put them on. In addition, the American Optometric Association had demonstrated that the windshield acted like a magnifying glass, thus increasing the effects of the sun and its power!
5) Aerosols are also among the worst things to leave in your car
It is not without reason that the label warns us about high temperatures! In fact, the pressure increases accordingly and causes us to lose product by continuously releasing it. Worse still, the heat can become intense and cause explosions. And if the result is not fatal, it can still cause damage to the car or injure you. So, think about it before keeping a can of hairspray or deodorant in your car just in case to give yourself a makeover. Same treatment for cleaning or pest sprays as well as the air freshener you spray after smoking in the car…
6) Your favorite tube of lipstick or sunscreen in the car for touch-ups? Bad idea!
Leaving your tube of lipstick in the car to reapply it later is sure to find it all flagged and unusable. A sad state of affairs! Overall, it is better to avoid keeping your beauty products, especially creamy or liquid ones, in a hot car where they risk turning ! Besides, it should be completely avoided with sunscreen. In fact, you may be tempted to keep a bottle, thinking you are doing the right thing by protecting yourself in your car where you are very exposed. But it could explode and get everywhere. And in fact, the problem mainly lies in the fact that ironically, this product does not like heat. So, he becomes much less effective and could protect you less…
7) Medications: be careful…
Medications are generally kept at room temperature, or even cooled for certain very fragile treatments. However, a car rarely has stable temperatures and even experiences quite severe variations. So of course, keeping some medications in the car just in case won’t make them dangerous. However, it is clear that this will not keep them in good condition and efficient…Prefer to keep a small quantity and replace them regularly or, better, keep them with you, in your handbag.
8) Groceries and wine, things not to leave in the car for too long
Of course, we can say that we can do our shopping and take a trip to town after shopping. However, anything perishable cannot be kept in the car indefinitely. So, shopping should never stay more than two hours in the trunk, or even less if it’s hot. And this even applies to what is “protected” in the trunk ! Unfortunately, this is particularly true for wine where the taste can quickly go bad and the liquid can become contaminated. Your food is precious: don’t take any risks by leaving it languishing in the car.
What things should you always leave in your car?
It is always wise to have a few essential items in your car for safety, convenience and forethought. Here is a list of things to consider!
Things to absolutely leave in the car
In terms of essential documents, obviously plan the vehicle registration document, your driving license, car insurance and the technical inspection certificate (if applicable). Also think about first aid kitalways useful in case of unforeseen circumstances. It should contain basic items such as dressings, compresses, bandages, disinfectant, scissors and disposable gloves in particular. A few troubleshooting tools can also always be used: jacks and wrenches to change a wheel, jumper cables, flashlight and spare batteries, pair of work gloves… In addition, additional windshield washer fluid such as engine oil (kept well right) and backup coolant are always a plus.
Finally, some safety items are absolutely essential, starting with the reflective vest to be visible in the event of a breakdown on the side of the road as well as a warning triangle to warn other drivers in the event of an emergency stop.
Besides, other objects may still be useful in the car
A car trash can for waste can help you out when you are on the road, especially for a long journey, the same for the car charger, always very practical. And of course, let’s not even talk about the sun visor to protect the cabin from excessive heat and road maps and/or GPS (or a smartphone with a navigation application) to drive without the risk of getting lost and making unnecessary detours along the way.
What’s more, if you are often on the move or have children, non-perishable snacks (like energy bars), emergency toiletry kit (with toilet paper, wet wipes, etc.) and a light blanket or warm clothes in case of cold temperatures can help you out. You can also bring a bottle of drinking water that you will not leave in the car.
Keeping these items in your car can help you deal with various emergencies or necessities while you’re on the road. It is also important to regularly check that all these elements are in good condition and replace them if necessary.