Items Often Best to Avoid Keeping in Your Vehicle: A Look at Five Frequent Offenders
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to overlook the importance of car safety and maintenance. Here are some essential tips to help you keep your vehicle and belongings secure and protected.
Firstly, it's crucial to have emergency assistance readily available. RACV Emergency Roadside Assist is a valuable resource for assistance in emergencies. Keep their contact details with you at all times.
When it comes to personal belongings, it's essential to be mindful of the effects of heat and sunlight. For instance, sunscreen loses effectiveness when exposed to heat, making it ineffective for protection from the sun over time. Similarly, metal frames of glasses or sunglasses can become scorching hot in hot cars, potentially damaging the fit. Plastic frames can warp under the same conditions.
It's also not recommended to keep specific lenses for driving in the car due to the risk of warping or damage in hot cars. To ensure the effectiveness of your medication, it should be stored in an air-conditioned compartment or wrapped in a cool, dry compress. Medicine should not be kept in cars due to the risk of heat, cold, and moisture affecting their effectiveness.
Leaving valuable electronics in the car presents an opportunity for thieves. Electronic devices, such as smartphones and laptops, should not be left in cars due to the risk of overheating and potential fires. High temperatures in cars can damage electronics, affecting their charging efficiency and battery life. Overheated lithium-ion batteries could leak, rupture, or catch fire.
Aerosol cans, such as deodorants, air fresheners, hairspray, and spray paints, should not be stored in a car. Storing these items can lead to explosions due to increased pressure as temperature rises, potentially injuring someone or damaging the car's interior.
Moreover, leaving glasses or sunglasses in the car can potentially create a security risk by attracting thieves. Leaving glasses or sunglasses on the dashboard can create a fire hazard due to sunlight shining through the lenses.
To minimise the risk of theft, it's important to keep your car well-stocked with a car safety emergency kit. Additionally, designer frames left on the dashboard can attract opportunistic thieves.
For information about the most common car thefts in Victoria, the best sources are likely official Victoria Police crime reports, government criminal justice databases, and local law enforcement statistical releases. These provide authoritative, location-specific crime data. Additional insights may be available from insurance industry reports and reputable local news outlets specializing in crime statistics.
In conclusion, by following these simple tips, you can help ensure the safety and well-being of both your vehicle and your belongings. Stay safe on the road!
