Did you know there are certain things you should never leave in your car during cold weather? ❄️🚗 We’ve compiled a list of 10 items you should always take with you — leaving them behind could be risky or damaging! 🧊 Check out the full list below in our article! 👇
As the cold season approaches, car owners need to be extra careful about what they leave inside their vehicles. Low temperatures can quickly damage certain items, sometimes in just a few hours. To help you avoid unnecessary trouble, here is a list of things that should never be left in a car during winter.
1. Electronic Devices
Smartphones, tablets, and other electronic gadgets are highly sensitive to extreme temperatures. Batteries, in particular, suffer the most—losing charge rapidly and even becoming permanently damaged if exposed to subzero conditions. Once temperatures drop below freezing point, the materials inside these devices become brittle, increasing the risk of cracks and malfunctions.
2. Beverages
Liquids expand when frozen, which means that any bottle or can left in the car could burst and create a mess. Even alcoholic drinks aren’t safe—dry wine, for instance, freezes at -5°C (23°F) and can leak if the bottle cracks. Cleaning up a frozen soda explosion is a nightmare, so it’s best to take all beverages inside.
3. Perishable Foods
Items like eggs, fruits, and vegetables can be ruined by freezing temperatures. The shells may crack, and once thawed, they become inedible. Just like liquids, frozen food expands, potentially making a huge mess inside your car.
4. Canned Goods
Even sealed canned foods aren’t safe from the cold. The liquid inside expands as it freezes, which can cause cans to burst. If that happens, you won’t just have a mess to clean up—you’ll also be left with a strong, lingering smell in your car that’s nearly impossible to get rid of.
5. Aerosols and Sprays
Most aerosol cans—such as lubricants, deodorants, and cleaning sprays—are highly pressurized. If left in extreme cold, the liquid inside can separate or freeze, rendering the product useless. Some cans may even explode if the temperature fluctuates too much, posing a serious safety risk.
6. Medications
Many medicines lose their effectiveness in extreme temperatures. Insulin, for example, should never be exposed to freezing conditions, as it can become ineffective. Even regular pills and syrups may undergo chemical changes that reduce their potency.
7. Paints and Adhesives
Glues, paints, and other construction materials are highly sensitive to cold. Once frozen, they lose their smooth texture and become lumpy, making them unusable. If you plan on doing any DIY projects, make sure your materials are stored in a temperature-controlled environment.
8. Important Documents
Leaving papers, passports, or handwritten notes in your car might not seem like a big deal, but condensation can ruin them. Ink may smudge, and important stamps or signatures could become illegible. Protect your paperwork by keeping it in a dry, safe place.
9. Wooden Items & Instruments
If you have wooden objects—especially musical instruments—never leave them in a cold car. The freezing temperatures can cause warping, cracking, and even permanent damage to their delicate surfaces.
10. Eyeglasses
Most modern lenses are made of plastic, which reacts poorly to rapid temperature changes. If your car’s interior heats up and cools down frequently, your glasses may develop small cracks or become misaligned over time.
Winter conditions can wreak havoc on many everyday items. To avoid costly replacements and unnecessary hassles, always double-check your car before locking up for the night. A little precaution now can save you from major inconveniences later!
