It should come as no surprise that many individuals use their automobiles as additional storage because for suburban and even city inhabitants, your car is practically an extension of your home.
Furthermore, even if it makes sense to have certain items in your car—such as jumper cables, an additional wardrobe, and a comfortable pair of shoes—it’s not the ideal location to store everything. These are seven items that are not appropriate to keep in your car.
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Things You Should Not Store In Your Car
Even if it doesn’t seem like a big deal, keeping mail in your car isn’t the best idea. You have to bring the mail inside, even though I know it’s tempting to grab it and browse through it while you’re pulling out of your driveway.
Water bottles made of plastic
It’s safe to say that most people could use more water in their diets. Thus, carrying a case of water with you seems like a good idea. A 2014 study found that plastic can degrade in the presence of heat and release toxins into your water. Furthermore, hot water isn’t really tasty.
Carry an additional aluminum bottle, or two, with you instead of a bunch of plastic bottles. Choose a bottle like the Stanley Adventure To-Go Bottle that is made to keep liquids cool. Additionally, reusable bottles save waste and ultimately save you money.
Non-Emergency Food
It’s tempting, particularly if your home isn’t overflowing with storage, but you should never keep extra, non-emergency food in your car. Food can spoil even in cans or boxes if it is left in a car for an extended period of time. I apologize, but those large food boxes from the big-box store go in your pantry or somewhere else in the house.
If you must have emergency food in your car, store it in a sturdy container to keep out pests and make sure you replenish it often with fresh food.
Used gym attire
Even though you might be eager to get home after a strenuous aerobic workout at the gym, leaving your gym bag in the car increases the likelihood that you will forget about it. Before you know it, the entire interior of your car smells like your spin-class socks, and the car air freshener is no match for it. Add some heat. Moreover, stains can appear on your clothing if perspiration is allowed to remain on it.
Technology
Electronics and heat don’t mix well. Apple recommends keeping iPhones and iPads between -4 degrees and 113 degrees Fahrenheit. A car parked in direct sunshine can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit in an hour. Therefore, keeping these things in your automobile when not in use is not a good idea. No matter the brand, you don’t want to shorten the lifespan of your pricey electronics. Having electronics on display also makes your automobile more likely to be stolen.
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