Don’t Leave These Items in Your Car on a Hot Iowa Day

Thinking of summer in Cedar Rapids and most of what I see and hear is that of hot, hot summers with unbearable temperatures. This year has been a little different with average temperatures in the low 80’s in the daytime and lower 60’s at night.  Even with those lower temps outdoors, temperatures quickly rise in your car.  When that happens things in your car heat up too and that can lead to some problems.  Nothing that a little planning can’t take care of. Also, while I have your attention, this information or some version of it might be in your owner’s manual.  I don’t think it will mention Cedar Rapids specifically in your manual, but it should.   

There are things that shouldn’t be left in a hot car in Iowa. 

1) Pets - Leaving your pets in a hot car can have severe consequences. The temperature inside a vehicle can rise rapidly, even on milder days and with the windows cracked. Always take your pets inside with you if possible or leave them at home.  If it's too hot for you, it’s also too hot for your pets.  Ok, I will admit that maybe the pet rock could make it but let’s not test it.   

2) Medication - Many medications need to be kept at room temperature to maintain their effectiveness. Leaving them in a hot car for even a short period can reduce their potency, and creams or ointments might melt. To avoid this, try to pick up your prescriptions last when running errands and head home directly afterward. 

3)  - Aerosol cans should be kept in a well-ventilated area and stored at temperatures below 120 degrees Fahrenheit. However, on hot days, internal car temperatures can exceed this range, causing the contents of cans like hairspray, sunblock, or spray paint to expand. This expansion can increase the risk of an explosion, which could be dangerous or even fatal to anyone in the vehicle. Make sure to remove aerosol cans from your car as soon as you get home to avoid leaving them behind. 

4) Electronics - Electronics such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, and cameras can suffer damage from high temperatures. Extended exposure to heat can harm batteries and screens, potentially causing long-term issues. It’s heartbreaking to think of electronics being treated this way but it happens.    

5) Sunscreen - Similar to medications, sunscreen can be compromised by extreme heat. High temperatures can make the formula less effective, cause ingredients to separate, and potentially lead to leaks. If you prefer keeping sunscreen in your car but want to avoid messy spills, consider using a mineral powder sunscreen that comes with a brush. This option minimizes mess while still offering protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Here you thought it was protecting you.  So, it can handle the heat when applied correctly but not heat from the car, got it.   

6) Food - Leaving perishable foods, such as groceries or takeout, in a hot car can lead to bacterial growth, making you sick. Bring a cooler or freezer bag to ensure perishables stay at the right temperature. It could also be the reason for that stench that comes wafting out the door when you open it on a hot day.  Do you still think, hmm, I wonder if it’s still good.? Well, at least it’s heated up. 

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7) Hand sanitizer - Stories online suggest that hand sanitizer might explode if left in a hot car. While alcohol-based sanitizers can be flammable and potentially ignite if exposed to flames, it's unlikely they'll explode due to the high temperatures inside a vehicle. Studies have shown that a car left in direct sunlight can reach temperatures up to 160 degrees Fahrenheit within an hour. However, alcohol would need to reach 600 degrees to spontaneously combust. Despite the low risk of explosion, heat can still diminish the effectiveness of the hand sanitizer.