Things you should not leave in your car

Cars are a means of transport with a large storage capacity. However, you should not leave the following items in the car .

We tend to treat our cars like walk-in closets, stuffing everything from gadgets to groceries into them without much thought. But leaving things in your car can actually cause some major problems. It can lead to theft, damage, or even endanger your safety. So it's worth taking a moment to think carefully about what you keep in there. Here are the items you should never leave in your car , and why.

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Toy

Kids love to leave toys all over the car, but you should take them out of the car when not in use. Plastic toys can melt or warp if the car gets too hot, and toys with batteries are even more dangerous—they can leak or even explode in high temperatures. So remove all toys from the car, especially those with batteries.

But don't just keep toys. Leaving them lying around makes your car messy and harder to clean or organize. Plus, a tidy car is not only easier to handle—it's also much safer and more comfortable for everyone riding along. So next time your kids are done playing, make it a habit to take those toys out of the car.

Electrical appliances

Leaving electronics in your car? Crazy idea. Gadgets like laptops, tablets, and phones are sensitive to heat, and your car basically acts as a mini oven or freezer depending on the weather. On hot days, the inside of a car can get extremely hot, and that heat can easily fry the components inside your devices.

On the other hand, freezing temperatures can damage batteries, causing them to lose charge or stop working altogether. And don't forget about thieves. Even if your electronics are stored under the seat or in the glove box, they can still be prime targets for break-ins.

Medical supplies

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Many people leave their medications in their cars just as a precaution, but this can actually do more harm than good. Most medications need to be kept at room temperature to be effective, and sudden changes in temperature in your car, especially on hot days, can reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

When temperatures rise, medications can break down or lose their potency, meaning they won't work when you need them. So if you have emergency medications or prescriptions, make sure you take them with you instead of leaving them in your car.

Insulin and EpiPens are very temperature sensitive. Leaving them in a hot car can cause them to break down quickly, making them much less effective or even useless. Freezing temperatures in the winter can also ruin the medication completely.

Water bottle

Whether you're commuting to work or heading off on a camping trip, it's a no-brainer to grab a water bottle on your way out the door. Staying hydrated makes you feel refreshed and energized, right? But let's be real, how many times have you forgotten about that water bottle, leaving it rolling around on the floor of your car for days, even weeks?

That seemingly innocuous water bottle might not look so great after sitting in your car for a while. Let's break down why.

Most plastic water bottles are made from a material called polyethylene terephthalate, or PET for short. According to the PET Plastics Association, it's a clear, durable, lightweight plastic that's extremely popular for packaging beverages like water, soda, and juice. It's convenient—but here's the problem.

When those water bottles heat up, things can get ugly. The heat causes the plastic to break down, potentially releasing chemicals into the water. So that seemingly harmless sip from a bottled water roasting in your car may not be as safe as you think.

Sunglasses

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Many of us leave our sunglasses in the car because it's convenient. But over time, this habit can cause some annoying (and expensive) problems. If your sunglasses have plastic frames, the temperature inside the car can warp them and the lenses can start to distort, affecting your vision.

With metal frames, they can get so hot that wearing them can feel like wearing a mini heater on your face. And in colder weather, your glasses can fog up or condense, which is not only uncomfortable but can also damage the lenses.

If you want to keep your sunglasses in tip-top condition, take them indoors when you're not driving. It's a small habit, but it will save you money and effort in the long run.

Jessica Tanner

Update 15 January 2025