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Water bottles -

Leaving plastic water bottles in a car might expose them to high temperatures. This can cause chemical compounds found in plastic (i.e. BPA) to break down and leak into the water.  

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Water bottles -

Not only can chemicals contaminate the water, but microorganisms might also start to develop if you're reusing a bottle.  

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Aerosol cans -

Pressure increases along with temperature. Too much pressure is not good news. 

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Aerosol cans -

Accidents have happened where cans exploded caused by extreme heat exposure.

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Sunglasses -

Unless you want the frames of your sunglasses to melt or burn your face, don't leave them in your car. 

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Sunglasses -

If your car has a sunglasses compartment, use it. Also, don't forget that heat magnifies through glass, which can cause damage to your car. 

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Indoor plants -

Some plants are very sensitive to temperature changes, and most indoor plants are used to mild temperatures.

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Indoor plants -

Heat can cause damage, but cold can kill plants as well. In fact, exposing some plants for as little as one hour to 7-10°C (45-50°F) temperatures can be fatal.

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Wine -

Temperature can affect the taste of wine, so it's better not to expose it to extreme heat. 

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Electronics -

Leaving your phone in your car can be inviting for thieves. And not only will they steal your equipment, they might also steal other personal information in your phone. 

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Electronics -

If you must leave any of these in the car, do so briefly, keep them out of sight by hiding them or putting them in the trunk, and encrypt them!

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Groceries -

Avoid going grocery shopping if you're not heading straight home afterwards. It's not good to leave groceries in the car, exposed to high temperatures. 

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Groceries -

This is particularly true for perishable foods that need to be refrigerated. 

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Young children -

This might sound like common sense, but some people still do this. Temperature can raise quickly in a car and a child can easily die of heatstroke.

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Young children -

Leaving a window open is not enough, not to mention that leaving a young child unattended is a illegal in some countries.

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Pets -

Some pet owners think it's okay to leave their animals in a car. Just like children, however, this can kill them.  

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Pets -

Again, not even with a bit of the window open. Temperatures inside a car can rise around 6°C (approximately 20°F) in just 10 minutes!

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Passport -

This is an identity theft dream come true. Don't make it easy for thieves.

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Passport -

Your personal data is as important (if not more) than material possessions. You wouldn't leave a stack of bills on a car seat, would you?

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Important documents -

If you're carrying important documents in you car, take them with you when you leave the vehicle. If you car gets broken into, you risk losing them. 

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Handbag -

Nothing calls the attention of a thief more than a handbag. 

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Wallet -

The same goes for a wallet. It's where you keep your money and cards after all!

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Sunscreen -

Some ingredients in sunscreen actually deteriorate under intense heat.

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Sunscreen -

Not only will it lose some of its properties, but applying warm sunscreen also won't feel very nice if you're already hot!

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Medication -

Most drugs should be stored at room temperature, which is not the case if you leave them in the car.

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Medication -

Though this might not completely ruin the medications, they might lose some properties under extreme heat. 

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Lipstick -

Lipstick doesn't respond well to high temperatures. And it can get hot, really hot in a car. 

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Lipstick -

If you must have a lipstick in your car, leave it in the glove compartment. You still risk a melted mess though! 

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See also - Tips and tricks to clean your car like a pro

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