Never Keep These Things In Your Car During The Summer
Our cars are more than just a means of transportation. They’re literally containers for our lives and lifestyles, with all sorts of items and effects being stored in them. However, summer heat can wreak havoc on the contents of our vehicles. Here’s ten things you should never leave in your car when the sun begins to shine…
People And Pets
On a 72-degree day, the interior of a car can reach 119 degrees within an hour. That’s appallingly hot. It’s therefore exceptionally dangerous to leave pets, young children and the elderly in hot vehicles unattended; even for a few minutes. Every summer young children and dogs die needlessly because their owners have negligently left them in warm vehicles. When you leave the vehicle, they should leave it with you. Keep your vulnerable passengers hydrated and cool.
Tech And Gadgets
It’s never a good idea to leave gadgets and gizmos in your vehicle; they just single you out to opportunistic thieves. More generally, tablets, laptops and smartphones don’t get on with exposure to excessive heat. Those that use lithium-ion batteries are particularly at risk of damage. It’s best to take them out of your vehicle. If this isn’t possible, ensure they’re covered from prying eyes and direct sunlight.
Medicine And Medication
The vast majority of medicines and pharmaceuticals are meant to be stored in controlled temperatures. Why? Their contents can react when exposed to excessive cold or heat; this affects their overall efficiency. So, unless you’re only after a sugar pill effect, don’t leave any pills or vitamins in your car during the summer.
Water And Food Containers
Some critics contend (and have done for some time) that storing food and drink in plastic containers is bad for our health. There’s no real consensus on this. But what everyone can agree on is that, in excessive heat, plastic can effectively contaminate their contents. This can pose serious, long-term health problems and complications. Remove any plastic containers from your car during the summer months. Definitely don’t eat or drink from anything you’ve left exposed!
Alcohol
Who doesn’t enjoy a cold beer in the sun? Unfortunately, leaving your booze exposed to the heat can ruin its taste. Heat breaks down acid in beer and produces compounds that bind with sulfur proteins; the result is a foul-tasting concoction. Wine doesn’t fare much better, as heat causes it to take on a ‘tangy’ taste.
Sunscreen
Keeping sunscreen handy is sensible during the summer time. Many of us like to keep some in the car for when we’re on the go. Unfortunately, and somewhat ironically, sunscreen doesn’t fare well stored in (or exposed to) excessive heat. It compromises its effectiveness so that, when you apply it to your skin, it won’t work as well. If you do leave some in your car, keep it somewhere away from sunlight. Even better, don’t leave it in your car at all.
Glasses And Eye Wear
Glasses and shades can be expensive. Even if they’re only for show or style, they can be important whilst we’re driving etc. But leaving them in a hot vehicle risks rendering them totally useless. Why? For a start, the heat can alter the frame; leaving them ill-fitting. In some cases, it can even warp the lenses!
Pneumatic Tyres
If you leave a bike or a scooter inside your car, be careful about exposing their tyres to direct sunlight or high temperatures. The heat can actually cause the air inside of them to expand which, in turn, can cause a blowout. The rubber might also weaken considerably, which can cause the tyres to go flat.
Disposable Lighters
Lighters don’t enjoy being left in cars when the sun’s out. In fact, they dislike it so much that they often explode (quite literally). When this happens, they’ve been known to crack windscreens and windows. Disposable lighters, often made of plastic, are particularly at risk. Don’t leave then lying around!
Pressurised Cannisters
When it gets hot, many people drive with aerosol deodorants in their cars. It’s a seemingly sensible thing to do. After all, no one wants to embarrass themselves by reeking of sweat. The problem is that, like lighters, they’re exceptionally vulnerable to exploding when exposed to excess heat. These explosions can be violent and seriously injure (or worse) anyone inside the vehicle. Don’t take any chances.
Driving Abroad This Summer? Here’s What You Need To Know – https://autoserveclub.co.uk/blog/driving-abroad-summer/
Tesla Has Released ‘Sentry’ And ‘Dog’ Modes For Its Vehicles: http://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/tesla-has-released-sentry-and-dog-modes-for-its-vehicles/
