The interior of a parked vehicle can exceed 50 degrees Celsius in just twenty minutes in the sun, and such conditions can ruin medications, electronics, and cosmetics, and even pose a safety risk.
The summer months bring challenges not only for spending time outdoors but also for everyday habits related to your car. A vehicle parked in direct sunlight quickly turns into a space with dangerously high temperatures. According to data from Novi list, the interior of a car can reach over 50 degrees Celsius in just twenty minutes, and during heatwaves, temperatures often go well beyond that threshold.
Although many drivers think a few minutes don't make a big difference, experts warn that such extreme conditions can shorten the lifespan of numerous products, reduce their effectiveness, or even create a safety risk. Here is a list of things you should never leave in your car during the summer.
One of the most sensitive categories is medications. Most of them are designed to be stored at temperatures up to 25 degrees Celsius. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can alter their chemical composition and seriously reduce their effectiveness. Insulin, antibiotics, hormonal drugs, and other preparations that require strictly controlled storage conditions are particularly vulnerable. If a medication remains in an overheated car for an extended period, it is no longer possible to say with certainty that it will work as intended.
Many people keep sunscreen in their car during the summer to have it on hand, but this is not a good idea. Elevated temperatures can accelerate the breakdown of the active ingredients that provide UV protection. As a result, the product may no longer offer the protection stated on the label, even if its expiration date hasn't formally passed. It's better to store sunscreen in a cooler place and only bring it into the car right before use.
Phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, and power banks do not tolerate high temperatures. If they stay in an overheated vehicle for a long time, batteries can overheat, which can reduce their energy storage capacity or cause permanent damage to some electronic components. In lithium-ion batteries, high heat accelerates aging, so devices may eventually have shorter battery life or experience functional issues.
Spray deodorants, hairsprays, insect repellents, and similar products contain pressurized gas. When the temperature rises significantly, the pressure inside the container also increases. Although they are designed for regular use, prolonged exposure to extreme heat can increase the risk of leakage, deformation, or, in rare cases, the container bursting.
The same applies to lighters. Although they are small and often forgotten in the glove compartment, they contain flammable gas under pressure. Extreme temperatures can cause the container to deform or increase the risk of damage, so it is not advisable to leave them in the vehicle during hot summer days.
Dairy products, meat, sandwiches, and other perishable foods can become a health risk after even a short time in a hot car. High temperatures promote faster bacterial growth, significantly increasing the likelihood of spoilage. Even water bottles are not suitable for prolonged sun exposure, especially if they are made of thin plastic that can warp from the heat.
Cosmetic products such as lipsticks, foundations, mascaras, creams, and perfumes are also sensitive to heat. High temperatures can affect their consistency, scent, and effectiveness, and some products may completely melt or separate into components. To keep cosmetics in good condition, it is recommended to store them at room temperature.
If you don't have the option to park in the shade, a few simple habits can help. A windshield sun protector significantly reduces interior heating, and if it's safe, you can leave the windows slightly open to improve air circulation. Before you start driving, it's a good idea to open all doors or windows for a few minutes to quickly replace the hot air with fresh air.
During the summer, your car is not a suitable place for long-term storage of many everyday items. A few seconds of checking before locking up can prevent product damage, unnecessary expenses, and safety issues, and can extend the life of electronics, preserve the quality of medications and cosmetics, and prevent food spoilage during the hottest summer days.
