Night in Western NC are cold. Don’t leave these 9 things in your car

With freezing temperatures becoming more frequent across North Carolina as December unfolds, it’s important to know what can and cannot be safely kept in a cold car.

There are some things we know not to leave in a car when temperatures are extremely hot or cold. Our loved ones, for example, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control state that children and the elderly can be more susceptible to hypothermia at cold temperatures, with symptoms such as shivering, confusion and exhaustion.

This means that even limited amounts of time in an unheated vehicle could be dangerous for these groups. The same goes for pets.

However, some items shouldn’t be left in a cold car. Certain everyday objects can break, warp or even cause damage to the car itself if allowed to reach extremely cold temperatures. As temperatures continue to drop, here are nine things you should never leave in your car this season.

Can I leave my phone in a cold car? Electronics?

Lithium-ion batteries, which are used to power cellphones, tablets and other devices, can be seriously damaged by cold temperatures, according to USA TODAY. It is the “battery, battery, battery,” that is most vulnerable to the elements, Roger Gurney, owner of Arctic Tech Solutions in Fairbanks, Alaska, told USA TODAY.

Apple says that iOS devices function best when the temperature is between 32-95 degrees, but the company clarifies that it is fine to store devices at much colder temperatures, down to -4 degrees. At lower temperatures, phones should be shut off. Samsung cites a similar range for its phones.

If your device gets too cold (or too hot), certain features may be temporarily disabled, according to Apple.

Can I leave soda cans in a cold car? Beer, canned liquids?

As water-based liquids expand when they freeze, unopened cans of soda, seltzer, beer, etc., can burst or explode in cold temperatures.

The freezing points of these beverages vary slightly, according to NJ.com:

• Regular soda (with sugar): Freezes at approximately 30 degrees.

• Diet pop and water: Freezes at 32 degrees.

• Beer (5% alcohol by volume): Freezes around 27 degrees.

Can I leave aerosol cans in a cold car?

Extreme temperatures, either hot or cold, can cause aerosol cans to “become unstable” and potentially break or explode, according to Capital One Auto Navigator.

Is it bad to have a low gas tank in a cold car?

Your car’s gas tank should be kept at least half full during the cold winter months. It can help minimize condensation that could possibly block fuel lines, preventing the engine from starting or running properly.

Can I leave a musical instrument in a cold car?

Materials like wood and metal are sensitive to temperature changes, and cold, dry air can lead to cracks and warping in instruments. According to Yamaha MusicUSA, woodwind and string instruments in particular are at high risk for cracking when they absorb water and contract.

Brass instruments can also freeze, leading to stuck valves and tuning slides. If an instrument is left in a freezing car for a long period, try to make it warm up gradually.

Can I leave my glasses in a cold car?

Eyeglass lenses can crack or become brittle when left in a cold car, according to Web Eye Care. Exposure to extreme temperatures can also warp plastic frames, potentially damaging how the eyes align with the lenses in the glasses.

Is it safe to leave food in a cold car? Eggs?

Different foods and drinks should be stored at different temperatures, meaning that this is a question that has many answers. Speedyrefrigeratorservice.com states that most refrigerated foods should be kept between 34-39 degrees to keep them from spoiling, while frozen foods should be kept at closer to the 0 degrees mark.

Additionally, some foods should never be kept in a car ― eggs included. While eggs may not spoil in cold weather, as the inside of an egg freezes and expands, the eggshell can crack, causing a mess once the eggs thaw.

Can I leave canned foods in a cold car?

Canned food is another example of something you won’t want to leave in a car. Similar to canned beer and soda, the contents of food cans can freeze and expand, causing a broken seal or swollen and potentially spoiling contents.

If canned food freezes, allow it to thaw in a refrigerator before prompt use. Once thawed, if the food doesn’t smell or look normal, throw it out. For more information on canned food safety, visit the USDA website.

Can I leave medication in a cold car?

According to Reuters, leaving your pills in the extreme cold (or heat) can significantly alter the effectiveness of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Freezing can also alter the physical properties of medications, leading to inconsistent dosing and reduced efficacy.

Victoria E. Freile, USA TODAY NETWORK, contributed to this report.

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Can I leave my phone in a cold car? Medication? What to know