10 things you should never leave in your car in the winter

Extreme Canadian winter temperatures can easily make us think of the North Pole. Freezing cold, this hostile climate can damage the objects you left in the car and even threaten your safety. That is why it's important to verify what's in your car to make sure everything is ok.
 
Here are 10 things you should never leave in your car in the winter:

Your loved ones

Children, elderly people and pets are especially sensitive to the cold. Never leave someone in a non-heated car as the temperature inside can drop quickly.

Pop or beer cans

Liquids expand when they freeze, which can lead to a big mess. That is why it's important to avoid leaving bottled water, fruit juice, pops and beer in the car when you get back from the grocery store. Pressurized cans could explode if exposed to extreme temperatures.

Eggs

Eggs exposed to extremely cold temperatures will tend to freeze and their shell will crack. If that happens, it's important to discard those eggs as they could have come into contact with materials considered unfit for human consumption.

Canned foods

Canned foods can also freeze and expand, just like pop and beer. If canned food freezes, it's important to let it thaw in the fridge. And if the can is damaged or rusted, discard the food immediately.

Drugs

If you bought drugs in a drug store, avoid leaving them in the car. Some, such as insulin, could become less effective if they freeze.

Eyeglasses

Your eyeglasses frame is sensitive to the heat and cold. Extremely cold temperatures can even cause it to break.

Almost empty gas tank

Always keep a certain quantity of gas in your gas tank in the winter. To keep fuel lines from freezing, keep it at least half full when the weather is extremely cold. Also make sure to check fluids such as antifreeze.

Cell phones and electronic devices

The cold can have an impact on the battery of electronic devices and can damage processors in cell phones, computers and tablets. Most cell phones have a lithium-ion battery, and those are the most sensitive to the cold. Apple recommends retailers to avoid storing its products at temperatures below -4 °C. It is also recommended not to use cell phones and other electronic devices below temperatures of -32 °C.

Music instruments

Music instruments can also be affected by the cold and become untuned. Also, instruments made of real wood can contract when exposed to cold air and even crack.

Aerosols

Aerosol products such as hair spray or paint should not be exposed to extreme temperatures.Our Multi-Purpose De-Icer can be left in the car in winter, at temperatures as cold as -31 °C. This product contains three ingredients that are also used in anti-freeze and the aviation sector and that only freeze at very low temperatures (-59 °C or less).