Jan 23, 2025
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – As central Ohio faces frigid temperatures, experts warn there are a variety of everyday items that can become damaged or even dangerous if left in a cold car.  To avoid ruined valuables, a potential injury or health issues, Ohioans should avoid leaving the following seven things in their vehicle for an extended period of time during the winter. Electronics Cold temperatures can significantly decrease the performance and lifespan of batteries in electronics, as it slows down chemical reactions occurring inside the device. Operating an Apple device where the temperature is lower than 32 degrees could affect its performance and ability to charge. Samsung also states using or storing its devices at temperatures below 32 degrees may exacerbate battery performance and lead to unexpected shutdowns. Charging and battery issues are typically temporary until the device is back to a normal temperature. Electronics that have LCD screens, such as some models of Motorola cell phones, older iPhones and certain laptops, contain fluid and can freeze in extreme temperatures. This can result in slow response times or a blank screen, and prolonged exposure can cause permanent damage.  Aerosol cans While some may have sun screen, bug spray or dry shampoo laying around in their car, aerosol cans should not be left in temperatures below freezing.  The cans may become unstable in cold temperatures and crack or explode. This could lead to potential damage to a car’s interior, and possibly injure people nearby.  Medications  The chemicals and components of some drugs can be changed when exposed to extreme temperatures. Most medicines, excluding those that need refrigeration, should be stored at room temperature between 59 degrees and 77 degrees, according to Baystate Health.  Drugs that contain hormones, such as birth control, antibiotics and anti-seizure medications, do not work as well when exposed to temperatures outside of their recommended storage temperature. The same can be true for other drugs, including insulin.  There is no way to know if frozen medication is still good when it thaws out, so it’s best to get it replaced, according to Baystate Health.  Canned food and drinks Canned goods that contain liquid can swell in the cold, causing them to burst. Not only can this create a mess in one's car, but it can also result in the seal breaking, which can cause the food to spoil and result in health problems if eaten. If canned food freezes, but the seal remains intact, allow it to thaw in a refrigerator. The United States Department of Agriculture advises if a product does not look or smell normal after cracking in a cold car, people should “throw the cans out immediately, wrapping the burst can in plastic and disposing of the food where no one, including animals, can get it.” Canned and bottled beverages may also swell and burst in cold temperatures.  Musical instruments Instruments made of wood can crack in cold temperatures, leading to permanent damage. Wooden parts of instruments may also shrink, according to Yamaha Music USA.  Brass instruments are also subject to temporary issues when exposed to cold temperatures, such as moving parts like valves sticking due to moisture freezing, or components of the instrument contracting, affecting the sound quality.  Yamaha suggests gradually warming an instrument up to the temperature of its environment before blowing air through it.  Glasses Leaving eyeglasses in a cold car can result in cracked or brittle lenses, according to WebEyeCare.com. The online retailer also said frames are likely to warp in cold weather, especially if they are plastic. This can result in changes in how one’s eyes align with lenses, which can lead to headaches and prevent the wearer from seeing clearly. People, pets While it may seem obvious, experts advise against leaving people or pets in a cold car. Babies, children and elderly people can be more susceptible to hypothermia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Pets can also develop hypothermia if left alone in a cold car for too long, with the American Kennel Club stating owners should not assume their fur will be enough to protect them from extreme cold.  Hypothermia symptoms include shivering, stiff muscles, shallow breathing and confusion. The condition can lead to muscle damage, kidney failure, or even death in both humans and animals.
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