Your car might feel like a convenient place to stash a few extra items, but it’s not always as safe or stable as it seems. Between shifting temperatures and the risk of theft, leaving certain things inside overnight can lead to damage or loss without much warning.
Cold nights, hot afternoons, and everything in between can take a toll on items left behind. Add in the fact that cars parked outside can attract unwanted attention, and it becomes clear why some everyday belongings are better kept indoors.
To avoid unnecessary damage or surprises, here are 13 things you should never leave in your car overnight.
Food and Drinks
You might think leaving food and drinks in your car overnight is harmless, but think again! Not only do they spoil, but they can also attract pests. You don’t want to go back to your vehicle and have some uninvited critter making a meal out of your leftovers. On top of that, the lingering odors can have you second-guessing your life choices.
Important Documents
Don’t leave important documents like passports, IDs, or insurance papers in your car; this can be a recipe for disaster. If these documents are lost in the event of a break-in, they can lead to identity theft or a great hassle replacing them. Keep your papers safe in your home or a safe place.
Children’s Items
It’s easy to think that you can leave your child’s favorite toy or their diaper bag in the car, but it won’t work out. It’s easy to lose or break toys, forget diapers or snacks, and end up with a smelly surprise. The best thing to do is to make it a habit to bring those items in every time to avoid chaos later.
Sports Equipment
It can seem harmless to leave sports equipment in your vehicle, especially if you’re going to play again soon. The sun can warp, fade, or damage your gear, and a thief could see them as an opportunity to make some dollars. When you come home, take your favorite tennis racket out of the car trunk — it deserves better.
Batteries
In extreme temperatures, batteries can be terrible. Heat can cause them to leak or even explode, and cold can drain them. Keeping batteries in a temperature-controlled environment is best for the safety and convenience of the batteries themselves.
Spare Change or Cash
You may not think of spare change or cash as a big deal, but it can accumulate. Thieves will see it as easy pickings if you leave coins in your cup holder or glove compartment. Also, they can be a cluttered mess that isn’t worth the hassle.
Garage or Yard Sale Items
If you’ve been clearing out the house and have things for sale, it can be tempting to leave them in the car overnight. But this could mean theft or damage. Don’t leave them sitting out; instead, bring them in or put them in a safe place until the sale.
Tires and Tools
If you’re a DIY person, you probably have tools or spare tires in your trunk. Having these items can be helpful, but they also can attract the ever-prying eyes of the opportunistic thief. When you can, keep these items at home when not in use.
Feminine Products
Unaffected though they might seem, feminine hygiene products can be affected by temperature fluctuation and end up being ineffective or uncomfortable. Store them in your bag or at home where they’re safe and ready to use when you need them.
Electronics
If it’s your laptop, tablet, or the latest gaming console, it shouldn’t be in your car. According to Allometrics, fluctuating temperatures can wreak havoc on electronics. Also, if a thief sees those gadgets, they’ll be a hot target. Bringing your gadgets inside where they belong will save you the heartache.
Valuables
Never leave jewelry, wallets, and other valuables where a thief can see them in your car. An even innocuous-looking bag can draw unwanted attention. Keep your prized possessions with you if you want to keep them safe. Would you just leave a lottery ticket you won lying around in your car?
Prescription Medications
According to VeryWell Health, active medications need to be kept at a certain temperature in order to remain effective. Leaving them in your car will compromise their structure. Don’t gamble with your health. Make sure those vital prescriptions are close at hand. Plus, they are better at home than losing their potency overnight.
