Your vehicle can handle a lot of things, such as extreme temperatures. Unfortunately, the items that you leave inside of your vehicle aren’t so lucky. You know you shouldn’t keep food in the car, but you may not be as familiar with some of the less-obvious items. For Chandler, AZ car owners, San Marcos Insurance Group shares a few things you shouldn’t keep in your vehicle, especially when the temperatures are excruciating outside.

What You Shouldn’t Keep in Your Vehicle

Children and Pets

For some, this one may be obvious. For others, well, it may not be. Children and pets should never be left in a vehicle. During the summer, it only takes an hour or less for the car’s cabin to spike about 50 degrees higher than the temperature outside. This type of heat is fatal. During the winter, there is a risk of hypothermia, especially for children, pets, and the elderly.

Electronics

Any kind of electronic, from smartphones to laptops, cannot withstand extreme temperatures. These kinds of temperatures can reduce battery life and damage the processors. Plus, it makes your vehicle more vulnerable to vandalism and theft, especially if those electronics are visible from outside.

Sunscreen and Medications

Extreme temperatures can cause the active ingredients in medications and sunscreen to break down. Because of this, these items can become ineffective. Therefore, for your health and safety, keep any medications and sunscreen inside your home.

Plastic Water Bottles

You may not give much thought to your plastic water bottles, but as the temperatures rise, chemicals from the plastic can seep into the water in the bottles. While it is true that most bottles are BPA-free now, it is important to keep plastic bottles cool, as there are other potentially harmful chemicals that could be present. Ideally, you should opt for a refillable bottle.

What You Should Keep in Your Vehicle

Proof of Auto Insurance

The one thing you should always keep in your vehicle is proof of your auto insurance. This is to ensure you can provide it to the authorities if you are pulled over and avoid a ticket and to share with another motorist if you’re in an accident.

If you are currently in need of auto insurance coverage in Chandler, AZ, reach out to San Marcos Insurance Group.