Summer isn’t far away, and when it arrives, the temperatures outside will soar. Depending on where you live, you’ll also have to deal with high humidity levels. While you’re probably eager for a change, take stock of what you keep in your car. In addition, have your vehicle serviced at a reputable place like Bob Brady Honda in Decatur, Illinois.
Not a Catch-all
Especially with busy schedules, people often use their vehicles as a catch-all. However, as the outside temperatures increase, that’s not always a good idea. Below are some of the do’s and don’ts for things you store in your vehicle this summer.
Do’s
Bottled Water and Non-perishable Snacks
Even if you drive a newer model, things happen. So, always have bottled water on hand. In addition, it never hurts to store some non-perishable snacks. Things like beef jerky, peanuts, crackers, and dried fruit are excellent options.
Emergency Tote
Place a plastic bin in the trunk of your car or the back of your SUV. Inside, place items such as a flashlight, batteries, blanket, first-aid kit, reflectors, and a charging cable for your phone. That way, if you become stuck, you’ll have everything you need already on hand.
Don’ts
Sunscreen
Unless you’re heading to the beach, a local swimming pool, or the golf course, don’t keep sunscreen inside your vehicle. After all, every brand contains ingredients that change when subjected to heat. For that reason, your sunscreen might not provide the protection it should.
Medication
In addition, never store prescribed medication in your car, especially during the summertime. Similar to sunscreen, heat compromises various compounds. As a result, your medication may lose potency or affect you differently than usual. The same applies to over-the-counter medication.
CDs
Nothing is better than cruising with the windows down and the music blaring. Unfortunately, summertime heat and CDs don’t work well together. It doesn’t take much for heat to warp them, which means you won’t have music to listen to while driving. If your kids watch DVDs in the car, take them inside. After all, heat will do the same thing to them.
Eyewear
Don’t store prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses in your vehicle. For one thing, they can become a target for thieves if left out in the open. For another, the plastic frame can soften and warp in response to heat. Not only that, but if they have any metal components, you could slip them on only to sustain a minor burn.
Cosmetics and Spray-on Hair Products
As for cosmetics, summertime heat can cause them to melt. Along with losing your favorite makeup, you’d lose money to replace everything. Regarding spray-on hair products, they, too, don’t belong inside your car. Aerosol hairspray can explode if the inside of your car reaches more than 120 degrees. In addition to potential damage to your car, that could put you and your passengers at risk.
Electronics
This might sound odd, considering that vehicles come with different types of electronics. However, they’re designed for both hot and cold temperatures. In comparison, smartphones, laptop computers, and tablets aren’t. By leaving them in a hot car, plastic parts would likely melt. Also, there’s the potential for the batteries to explode.
Coloring Crayons
If you’re a parent, you probably have several things belonging to your child inside your car. Often, moms and dads keep coloring books and crayons on hand to entertain their kids. Unfortunately, they’ll quickly melt due to summertime heat.
Food
It should go without saying that you never want to leave perishable food in a hot vehicle. Even so, many do it only to end up with a mess. For one thing, different kinds of food melt too. For another, if food reaches more than 90 degrees, it poses a health risk if consumed.
Beverages
Although there’s nothing wrong with keeping bottled water in your car all year round, avoid other beverages like soda. Again, if bottles or cans of pop become too hot, they’ll explode. You can imagine what that would do to the interior of your automobile.
Miscellaneous
Don’t keep writing pens and disposable lighters in your vehicle during the summer months. As with some of the other things mentioned, plastic will melt, and they, too, can explode.
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Buying a New Vehicle
If you’ve experienced any of these things in the car you currently drive, perhaps it’s time for a new ride. At Bob Brady Honda in Decatur, Illinois, you’ll discover an impressive inventory of new and previously owned vehicles. Stop by to take a look.
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