Drivers warned of freezing petrol and five items not to leave in their cars this winter
MOTORISTS are being warned not to leave certain items in their cars this winter as the temperature starts to drop.
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Temperatures are expected to plummet this winter, with the Met Office warning of two weeks of “wintry showers” across some parts of the UK. Due to the expected freezing temperatures, items left inside empty vehicles can get damaged so it's important to be mindful about what not to leave inside cars.
All drivers are advised to keep an emergency “winter car kit” in their vehicle, containing vital items including a battery pack and a de-icer.
Mark Barclay from GFS Car Parts said: "As the weather gets colder, we should be mindful of what not to leave in our cars.
"Sunglasses can also be a good call in the glaring winter sun, but take them inside to prevent cracking once your car becomes cold after the engine is turned off.
"By taking some simple measures and bringing things inside with you before they get damaged, you can have a safe and enjoyable time on the roads this winter."
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Electronic devices
Many smartphones including iPhones have a feature in place that warns users when their device gets too hot or too cold, as most devices have an ambient temperature range that allows them to work best.
Most Apple devices work optimally when their surroundings are between zero and 35 degrees, so if drivers leave their phone or computer in their cars, they could face problems with battery life or even turn off.
The best way would be to take all devices out of the car when the motorist leaves the car.
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Medications
Although many medications don't necessarily become harmful when they're stored in the cold, it can make it difficult to assess whether they will work as expected.
In the case of insulin, however, there is a bigger impact. Unopened vials of insulin should be stored in the fridge, and once opened, a vial should be stored at room temperature.
If the insulin does freeze, it will become ineffective and won’t lower the blood sugar as it should and could lead to further health issues.
Aerosol products and tins
If aerosol products get too cold, they can become destabilised and, in some instances, can explode.
This is also the case for tinned food, as the water to preserve the food can expand in colder weather, leading to the tin exploding as the pressure increases.
These items should also not be stored in a garage or shed, as both these places will be subject to the same drops in temperature as the car.
Wooden musical instruments
Colder temperatures make the wood constrict, which is why during the winter guitars, violins or cellos will fall out of tune easily as the instrument becomes cold.
Leaving these instruments in a car during freezing weather can lead to the wood cracking, however, so it's definitely worth bringing them inside after a gig, practice, or jam session.
Drivers should store them away from radiators too, so that their surroundings don't suffer from extreme changes in cold or heat.
Keep the fuel tank full
Keeping the fuel tank over half full can prevent the petrol from freezing, making it easier to get going on a journey.
Checking how much petrol is in your car is also the perfect time to do a quick check of your tyre pressure, as sometimes colder weather can cause pressure drops in car tyres.
Drivers are also advised to keep an empty fuel can in their car in case they run out of petrol, they can walk to the nearest petrol station and refill the vehicle.