18 Things To Never Leave In Your Hot Car In Arkansas This Summer

Let's face it, it's been a hot summer so far in Arkansas and all across the country. Some things you should never leave in your vehicle should be pretty obvious, but there may be a few items you haven't thought of yet, so let's run down the list and make sure you don't make these mistakes. Some items can be left in a hot vehicle but should never be left in direct sunlight. Just tuck them away in the glove box, under a seat, preferably someplace low in the vehicle where temperatures won't reach dangerous levels. But let's start with the things that should never be left in a hot vehicle:

1. People

I know, this should go without saying but it never fails to happen, a child is left in a hot car or an elderly person, and sometimes tragedy follows. Please don't let it happen to someone you love. NEVER, ever, ever, leave children or the elderly unattended in a closed-up vehicle, especially in this kind of summer heat. It only takes a few minutes for temperatures to reach critical levels.

2. Pets

Another one we shouldn't have to mention but we would be remiss if we didn't first bring up the most obvious, and pets are right there with people. Do not leave them unattended in a closed-up vehicle.

3. Electronics

Phones, tablets, and gaming systems all have sensitive electronic components inside them that are susceptible to high heat issues. If they must stay in the vehicle for some reason, be sure you tuck them away out of direct sunlight.

4. Water Bottles

Plastic water bottles have been found to have three issues;

1. BPA - The heat can cause BPA to leach from the plastic and create possible health issues.
2. Bacteria - If it's a bottle that's been opened and drank from, the heat can start growing bacteria around the opening. You shouldn't drink from a bottle that's been left in a hot vehicle.
3. Sun Magnification - The sun shining through a water bottle has been known to magnify those rays and actually start fires.

5. Groceries

As long as you get your groceries home within a reasonable amount of time this shouldn't be a worry. But, if you have a long day of shopping ahead of you, be sure you save your grocery list for last.

6. Sunscreen

I almost feel silly on this one but it's true, sunscreens that have been exposed to high temps lose their effectiveness over time. So, you should avoid leaving them in your hot vehicle.

7. Medications

This is obviously going to vary greatly depending on the medication, but high heat can change the effectiveness of some meds, best to not leave them in a hot car if you can avoid it.

8. Drinks

Contents under pressure, heat expands... pretty much everything. That can get messy very quickly. Plus the heat can alter the flavor of drinks as well.

9. Disposable Lighters

Again with the "contents under pressure," the heat can cause lighters to explode and catch fire.

10. Plants

Most plants sold around here can handle the Arkansas summer sun just fine, but if you leave them in a super-hot vehicle for an extended period of time, they may not make it.

11. Art Supplies

This one can get messy in a hurry. Can you imagine what the summer sun and humidity can do to crayons? How about paint? How about paint in pressurized cans?

12. Pet Foods

The summer heat can transform pet foods just as it can human foods. Pet foods should be taken directly from the store to your home, just like your groceries.

13. Flashlights / Batteries

Most people keep a flashlight in their vehicle for emergencies, just keep in mind that anything that has a battery in it is subject to heat damage this time of year. You should check them to make sure they are not leaking, and always store them out of direct sunlight.

14. Plastic Items

Never leave soft plastic items on your dash or in direct sunlight, the heat can melt softer plastic creating a mess and possible fire hazard.

15. Glasses/Sunglasses

Obviously, you need sunglasses to cut the glare of the summer sun to drive, and some of us need glasses simply to see to drive. Never leave your glasses on a dash or in direct sunlight for two reasons:

1. Sun magnification, they could cause a fire if the sun hits them just right.
2. Direct sunlight could cause minor burns when you put metal frame glasses on after exposure.

16. Musical Instruments

Heat and humidity are murder on musical instruments, it can alter their ability to stay in tune, the overall tone, and many other issues. Best not to leave them in a superheated environment like that.

17. Makeup

Many makeups can melt and leak in a hot vehicle. Nobody wants to clean up that mess, plus makeup is expensive to replace.

18. Hand Sanitizer

Here's one that became apparent during the pandemic, lots of people who left hand sanitizer bottles in their cars found out that the bottle can have the same effect of magnifying the sun just as water bottles can. Then there is the added hazard of the alcohol being flammable.

Have we left anything out? Do you have any personal experiences to share with us? Let us know.

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