Never Leave These 8 Items In Your Glove Compartment in Arizona
Arizona is known for its extreme temperatures, especially in the summertime. The average temperature is around 100°F, while temps peak around 110°F. Not to mention, Arizona has a relatively high rate of car theft, with 267.76 vehicles stolen per 100,000 residents. Given the heat and unpredictable conditions, you should think twice about what you store in your car’s glove compartment. Many people stash away important papers, sunglasses, and other items. However, it may be best to leave most things elsewhere. Here are eight items you should never leave in the glove box, whether you’re driving through the Grand Canyon State or you live there.
1. Important Documents
Leaving documents like your car registration, insurance papers, or personal IDs in your glove compartment can lead to theft. Arizona has a high number of car break-ins, making these items easy targets for criminals. Stolen documents can lead to identity theft, a nightmare to resolve. Instead, keep digital copies of these papers on your phone or in a secure app. If you must carry originals, store them in a lockable compartment or take them with you. Prioritizing document security can save you from costly headaches later.
2. Prescription Medications
Arizona’s extreme heat can cause prescription medications to degrade, reducing their effectiveness. Many medicines have storage instructions requiring temperatures below 77°F, which is nearly impossible in a locked car. Degraded medication can lead to health risks, especially for those relying on daily doses. Additionally, stolen medications can be misused or sold, creating another layer of concern. Always carry your medications with you or use insulated, temperature-controlled storage if you must leave them in your car. Protecting your health is worth the extra effort.
3. Electronics
Leaving electronics like smartphones, laptops, or tablets in your glove compartment is a recipe for disaster. Arizona’s blazing heat can damage internal components, leading to costly repairs or replacements. Moreover, these items are magnets for thieves who target vehicles for quick grabs. If you must leave electronics in your car, store them in the trunk or under a seat, out of sight. Better yet, take them with you whenever possible. Your tech gadgets are too valuable to risk in extreme temperatures.
4. Food and Beverages
Storing food or drinks in your glove compartment is a bad idea, especially in Arizona’s heat. Perishable items can spoil quickly, creating unpleasant odors and attracting pests. Bottled beverages left in a hot car can release harmful chemicals into the liquid, posing health risks. Additionally, melted or spilled food can damage your car’s interior. Instead, carry food and drinks in an insulated cooler or consume them before leaving your vehicle. A little planning goes a long way in avoiding messy situations.
5. Flammable Items
Arizona’s hot summers turn your car into an oven, making flammable items incredibly dangerous. Aerosol cans, lighters, or even certain cleaning products can explode under high temperatures. This not only puts your car at risk but can also cause serious injury or damage to nearby vehicles. Always check product labels for temperature guidelines before leaving them in your car. Store flammable items in a cool, shaded area when possible. Safety should always come first in extreme heat.
6. Cash and Valuables
Leaving cash or valuables in your glove compartment is an open invitation for thieves. Even loose change can catch a burglar’s eye, leading to a costly break-in. Arizona’s busy tourist areas often see higher rates of car thefts, making it essential to keep your car clutter-free. Invest in a car safe or take valuables with you when you leave your vehicle. Visible cash or items can make your car a target, even in relatively safe neighborhoods. Protect your belongings by being mindful of what you store in your vehicle.
7. Makeup and Personal Care Products
Heat-sensitive items like makeup and skincare products can become unusable in Arizona’s high temperatures. Lipsticks melt, lotions separate, and deodorants lose their effectiveness when exposed to extreme heat. Additionally, some chemicals in these products can break down, causing skin irritation when applied. Keep your makeup and personal care items in a travel bag you can take with you. Proper storage not only preserves their quality but also saves you money on replacements. Your beauty routine deserves better than a hot glove box.
8. Batteries
Batteries left in your glove compartment can overheat, leak, or even explode in Arizona’s extreme heat. This includes spare batteries for devices, power banks, or even AA batteries for everyday gadgets. Leaked battery acid can damage your car’s interior and pose safety risks. Store batteries in a cool, dry place or take them inside with you to avoid these issues. If you must keep batteries in your car, use a heat-resistant case. Protecting your car and devices from heat damage is a smart move.
Think Twice About Glove Box Storage
It’s important to really think about what you want to store in your vehicle. The glove compartment probably isn’t the ideal place for most things, but you should definitely leave these eight items elsewhere. If you have to bring them along, keep them in your bag or somewhere you’ll see them and bring them indoors with you. The risk just isn’t worth it.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.