Most car owners are savvy enough to know not to leave pets in their cars on warm days - but animals are still rescued on a regular basis.
But it is not only dogs that should not be left in vehicles, a leading Australian motoring organisation says.The RACV has provided information about common items often left in cars that could be damaged or pose safety risks.
RACV general manager motoring products Jeff Ames said many drivers are unaware of the risks associated with leaving everyday items in their vehicles.
“RACV is urging all motorists to be mindful of what they store in their cars, especially as the hot weather increases,” Ames said.
“Many of these items are often-overlooked hazards and by taking simple precautions, we can significantly reduce the risk of damage to personal property and potential safety issues."
The five common items you shouldn’t keep in your car include:
“RACV is urging all motorists to be mindful of what they store in their cars, especially as the hot weather increases,” Ames said.
“Many of these items are often-overlooked hazards and by taking simple precautions, we can significantly reduce the risk of damage to personal property and potential safety issues."
The five common items you shouldn’t keep in your car include:
Electronic devices: Smartphones, laptops, and other gadgets with lithium-ion batteries can overheat, potentially leading to fire hazards.
Medicine: Both prescription and over-the-counter medications can become less effective or inactive when exposed to extreme temperatures in parked cars.
Aerosol cans: Deodorants, air fresheners, and other spray cans may explode under pressure in hot vehicles.
Sunscreen: Heat can break down the active ingredients in sunscreen, rendering it ineffective for sun protection.
Glasses and sunglasses: Frames can warp in high temperatures, and lenses left on dashboards may create fire hazards.
Victorian Crime Statistics Agency data also shows a 16% increase in thefts from motor vehicles, with 53,329 reported cases in the Australian state for the year ending June 2024, up from 45,984 in the previous year.
"This significant rise in vehicle break-ins is concerning and we strongly advise drivers to remove all valuables and always lock their vehicles to prevent opportunistic theft,” Ames said.
RACV recommends that drivers regularly check their vehicles for items that should be removed and stored safely elsewhere.
Medicine: Both prescription and over-the-counter medications can become less effective or inactive when exposed to extreme temperatures in parked cars.
Aerosol cans: Deodorants, air fresheners, and other spray cans may explode under pressure in hot vehicles.
Sunscreen: Heat can break down the active ingredients in sunscreen, rendering it ineffective for sun protection.
Glasses and sunglasses: Frames can warp in high temperatures, and lenses left on dashboards may create fire hazards.
Victorian Crime Statistics Agency data also shows a 16% increase in thefts from motor vehicles, with 53,329 reported cases in the Australian state for the year ending June 2024, up from 45,984 in the previous year.
"This significant rise in vehicle break-ins is concerning and we strongly advise drivers to remove all valuables and always lock their vehicles to prevent opportunistic theft,” Ames said.
RACV recommends that drivers regularly check their vehicles for items that should be removed and stored safely elsewhere.
For more info on car safety and security, visit racv.com.au.
