Freezing outside? Don’t leave these items in your car

With no real sign of the Baltic weather subsiding, you might need to take some extra measures to make sure your personal belongings stay safe and functional. Leaving things in your car isn’t a problem in normal weather but when it’s extremely cold outside, certain devices and products may be seriously damaged. Here’s a list of things you shouldn’t leave in your vehicle in freezing weather.

Keys

This is more an issue of safety than one of avoiding damage. Some people may be inclined to start up their car and go back inside while the vehicle “warms up”, but leaving your car running and unattended could lead to it being stolen by opportunist thieves. It also uses unnecessary fuel which wastes money and is bad for the environment.

Cans of Coke

Or 7up, or Club Orange, or Lilt, or beer. Carbonated soft drinks and even beer freeze quite easily so cans are liable to explode when the temperature drops below zero.

Medicine

In general, medication should be kept at room temperature. Certain medicines can be rendered ineffectual if stored incorrectly.

A small amount of fuel in your tank

If you want to make sure your fuel lines don’t seize up in the winter, try to keep your tank at least half full.

Guitars

Wood contracts in freezing weather which may cause it to crack, so avoid storing your six-string, or any other wooden instrument, in the car overnight.

iPhones

Devices with lithium batteries, such as iPhones and iPads, should never be exposed to extreme cold. These kinds of conditions can damage the screen and reduce the battery life of your product.

We hope you find these tips helpful and you have a warm and pleasant winter.

Take care,

The team at GMIB.ie