12 things you shouldn't leave in your car in hot weather in Arizona
We all get lazy sometimes, perhaps you're in a rush or maybe just running inside for a couple of minutes.
Whatever your reason may be, I'm sure you've left something in your car before.
Now, normally, this might not be a problem, but in the Valley, temperatures can reach highs of 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the temperature inside your car can rise by as much as 20 degrees in 10 minutes, even in cooler weather. After an hour, it can reach around 140 degrees on a 95-degree day, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Aside from being dangerous for children and pets, this can also be an issue with food and flammable items.
Here's what not to leave in a hot car.
There are quite a few things you shouldn't leave in a hot car, according to Geico and Capital Insurance Group:
Food and beverages: Certain beverages can cause a mess in your car for example, a wine cork can easily slip out or a soda can may explode in hot temperatures. Bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses double every 20 minutes even at room temperature, according to the FDA. Don't leave groceries or leftovers in a warm car for more than two hours – or only one hour when it's over 90 degrees.
Aerosol cans: Pressurized cans are highly sensitive outside of the recommended storage temperature. The contents can expand which can cause the can to crack or explode.
Sunscreen: When sunscreen is left in high temperatures for too long, this can shorten its shelf life according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Lighters: The flammable fuel inside of a lighter can expand, breach the lighter casing when exposed to high heat and create a fire hazard.
Plastic bottles: Besides a clear plastic bottle, potentially magnifying the sun's rays, there is also a risk from bisphenol A or BPA. According to the National Library of Medicine, there's an increased release of BPA from plastics at higher temperatures.
Batteries: Leaving batteries in high temperatures can lead to a loss of capacity but also cause a leakage or rupture. Battery acid is dangerous when inhaled and highly corrosive, according to the CDC.
Electronics: Leaving your phone or another electronic device in a hot car could cause it to shut down or suffer damage.
Medicine: If medications are left in high heat for an extended amount of time, the compounds in prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can be altered and lose potency.
Sunglasses/glasses: Leaving sunglasses or prescription glasses in a hot car can cause the plastic to soften and warp, changing the frame's shape and fit. If metal-framed glasses are left, the heat can make them too hot to put on your face or handle.
DVDs and CDs: If left in a hot car, CDs can warp and cases can melt together.
Unless you really need to take your animal with you, opt to leave your pet safely at home. The American Veterinary Medical Association says to 'never leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle, no matter what the outdoor temperature or how long you think you'll be gone.'
Temperatures inside of your vehicle can rise about 20 degrees in just 10 minutes.
Cracking the windows makes no difference.
As stated above, cars can heat up rather quickly.
Heatstroke is one of the leading non-crash vehicle-related fatalities among children, according to the NHTSA. It can occur when a child is left in a hot vehicle, which causes their body temperature to rise quickly and dangerously.
A core body temperature of 107 degrees is lethal.
'It is never okay to leave a child alone in or around a car for any reason,' the NHTSA website states.
Reach the reporter at dina.kaur@arizonarepublic.com. Follow @dina_kaur on X, formerly known as Twitter, and on Bluesky @dinakaur.bsky.social.
Subscribe to azcentral.com today.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Don't leave these 12 things in your car during hot summer weather
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