9 Things You Shouldn't Leave in Your Car During a Cold Winter

Temperatures don't need to be hot to make you reconsider what's safe to leave in a vehicle.

Sara Lacey | 

Oct 2, 2024 | 2 min read

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Storing items in your car can be a good idea. Being prepared for a variety of situations is smart, especially if the weather turns bad. But when the temperature plummets during winter, some of those items you've put in your car may become a problem. Here are nine things you should think twice about leaving in your car during cold winter weather.

Medication

Medication can lose its efficacy in extreme weather. Insulin, in particular, should not be allowed to freeze. It's generally best to keep your medication on your person instead of leaving it in your car.

Canned Goods

The contents of cans can freeze and expand. Leaking food products from the cans can cause a mess, whether it's staining the interior or causing odors that linger long after you've cleaned up the food.

Electronics

Batteries in electronics can lose their power in cold temperatures, so it's wise to avoid relying on devices left in your cold car. Consider having a charging cable handy in case your device's battery needs to be plugged in.

Eyeglasses

The plastic in glasses can become brittle in the cold. Don't snap your fancy frames by keeping them in your car's neat little sunglasses storage compartment — it won't protect them from the freezing cold.

People

We know not to leave people in a hot car, but cars can lose heat quickly in cold temperatures. Do not assume someone will be protected from the cold in a car. Children and older adults are especially at risk for hypothermia and frostbite.

Musical Instruments

According to Yamaha Music USA, instruments made with wood can crack in cold temperatures, leading to damage or the destruction of the instrument altogether. The sound quality of brass instruments can change after exposure to freezing temperatures, and any moving parts can become slow.

Pets

We often worry about keeping pets in the car in the hot summer, but a cold winter can also be dangerous for our furry friends. The American Kennel Club warns that leaving your dog in the car, for example, can lead to hypothermia and frostbite.

Aerosol Cans

Just as aerosol cans become unstable in a hot car, they can do the same in the cold. When temperatures drop, aerosol cans can crack or explode, potentially leading to damage inside the car. These cans can also become dangerous projectiles.

Beverages

Beverages can freeze and expand, cracking the can or bottle in which they're contained. Cleaning up the mess is no fun, so try to avoid leaving beverages in your car in the winter.

Sara Lacey

Sara Lacey has been writing about cars since 2005, and has written for leading newspapers and automotive websites. Sara grew up with a variety of Audis, Porsches, and even an International Harvester Scout II. Her favorite back in the day may have been her mom’s 1984 Audi Quattro turbo. Since she started automotive writing, her ability to pick a favorite has diminished because there are too many cool cars to choose from.