What to Leave at Home
From electronics to boxes of takeout, there are many things you probably leave in your car all the time. For most of these items, you don't even spare them a second thought. But there are plenty of dangers involved when some of these belongings go unattended, so make sure you don't leave them vulnerable to break-ins or baking in extreme temperatures. Here are 20 things you should never leave in your car.
1. Wallet
It should go without saying that you should never leave your wallet in your car unattended. Even if it's empty or contains nothing valuable—no cash, change, or cards—it can still be a target for break-ins. Keep your wallet with you at all times.
2. Phone
Just as your wallet should always be on you, your phone should be as well. This is especially so if you own a fairly expensive smartphone, like the latest Samsung or Apple variant. If your phone is stolen, thieves can get their hands on your private information as well.
3. Laptop
Your laptop, like your phone, can contain sensitive information and can be a pricey piece of equipment to lose or get stolen. On top of this, exposing your laptop to extreme temperatures, hot or cold, can significantly wear out its internals and battery.
4. Tablet
The same goes for tablets—leave them at home or keep them with you at all times. Even if it's a fairly old variant that's mainly for your kids to use, you should still avoid placing them in your car where everyone can see it through the windows. Extreme cold and heat can also damage it.
5. Purse or Handbag
Even if you've taken out all your valuables, you still shouldn't leave your purse or personal handbag in your car. Thieves aren't going to care about your car alarm going off—they'll only see the attractive target and go right for it.
6. Jewelry
If you're taking off any jewelry, such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or rings, store them in the glovebox. It's best to keep these with you, but if you don't have to space to carry them (or don't want to get them tangled), just make sure they're out of plain sight.
7. Plastic Water Bottle
Research suggests there's a danger to leaving plastic water bottles in the car, especially in hot weather. Harmful chemicals, like BPA and phthalates, have been found in some of these plastics, and allowing them to warm under a scorching sun could melt the plastic and release these chemicals into the water. Plus, open water bottles could contain microorganisms and bacteria, which can accumulate and multiply, so it's best to finish them as soon as possible.
8. Sunscreen
You might think it's handy to keep your sunscreen in your car, but the chemical ingredients in them can actually (ironically) break down in high heat and become less effective. This puts you at risk of sunburn and skin damage as you won't be getting adequate protection.
9. Takeout
If you're making a quick trip to pick up your takeout before heading back home, that might be a problem, but if you're leaving your leftovers on the seat while you go shopping, it could spell disaster. Bacteria can multiply rapidly in perishable food if it's not immediately refrigerated, and in a hot car, this growth only speeds up even more. It may even emit unpleasant odors.
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10. Glasses
Leaving glasses in the car on a hot day can wreck your lenses and frames; plastic ones can warp, and metal ones could overheat and burn your skin. It can even act like a magnifying glass depending on where you place it in the car, which means if it reflects light, it could do some damage.
11. Important Files or Documents
Whether it's health reports, work documents, or tax forms, make sure to keep these files stored at home and not in your car. If you must have them in your car (say, when you're delivering them somewhere), keep them out of plain sight or shelf them away in a folder to bring with you.
12. Passport
Other personal and sensitive documents, like identification cards and passports, should be left at home. If you're traveling and need to stop somewhere before heading to the airport, keep your passport with you at all times. Yes, even when you're making a quick trip to the convenience store.
13. Wine
Leaving a wine bottle in a hot car can significantly affect the quality and taste, and can make it unpalatable. If you're picking one up to treat yourself after work and celebrate the upcoming weekend, put it as the last errand on your list before you head home.
14. Batteries
Don't leave packs of batteries of any kind in your car. In extreme temperatures (hot or cold, though heat is worse), they can ignite and explode, which could cause irreparable damage. Keep them well away from moisture or damp spots as well.
15. Medication
Heat can potentially make your drugs less effective, so it's best to leave your bottles at home or keep them stored in a bag with you. Some medications can be extremely sensitive to temperature changes, hot or cold, so make sure to read the label before leaving them anywhere.
16. Makeup & Cosmetics
It's not only that extreme heat or cold could cause your cosmetics to break down and separate, they could also melt and allow bacteria and fungus to grow inside your products. To be safe, make sure to keep your makeup and skincare items stored away from direct sunlight and scorching temperatures.
17. Cash & Loose Change
Keeping cash and loose change in your car, no matter the amount, can make it an attractive target to thieves. If you don't want to keep these bills in your wallet, make sure they're at least stored out of plain sight to prevent potential break-ins.
18. Lighters & E-Cigarettes
You should also keep lighters and e-cigarettes with you at all times. Leaving them in a hot car or direct sunlight can cause them to ignite and explode. Plus, extreme temperatures can damage the batteries housed inside vape pens and e-cigarettes.
19. Spare Keys
If you have a spare house or car key with you (or a key to anything important), keep them with you. Leaving them in your car may tempt thieves to break-in, as they may (correctly) assume it's a key that will lead them to something valuable.
20. Children
Never, ever leave children in your car unattended. Even if you'll be gone for a split second, such as grabbing a pickup order, taking your eye off small kids can leave them extremely vulnerable. Not only could they potentially be abducted, they could also suffer a heatstroke even if you've cracked the window open. Every year, dozens of children die from being left in a sweltering car. Don't make the same mistake and put yours at risk.
