Taking care of your Mazda car is more than ensuring it’s serviced routinely. Sometimes it’s paying attention to what you leave behind in the trunk, console, or cargo area. After all, some of them can cause you or your vehicle harm if they stay behind, especially in hot weather.
Electronics
Leaving electronics in high temperatures will cause permanent battery damage or cause the device to shut down. Keep devices out of direct sunlight at 90 degrees Fahrenheit and below.
Plastic Bottles
High heat causes chemicals to leach into liquid in plastic bottles and promotes bacterial growth. Even worse? That bottle can act like a magnifying glass that focuses sunlight and causes a fire in your vehicle.
Sunscreen
Exposing sunscreen to high temperatures will reduce its shelf life and cause it to lose effectiveness. The hot weather can also cause the bottle to expand or burst, leaving a greasy and hard-to-clean mess.
Aerosol Cans
Aerosol cans or pressurized cans contain a recommended storage temperature. Outside that zone, the can may expand and explode, damaging the car’s interior.
Medications
High temperatures will cause will decrease the effectiveness and even alter the chemical composition of medications. Don’t leave it in the car in high heat, whether it’s OTC or prescription.
Food
Food will spoil in warm temperatures leading to a smelly car and a horrible mess to clean up. Properly store food after grocery shopping, as bacteria that cause food-borne illnesses develop in hot weather.
Lighters
Flammable gas under high pressure isn’t worth risking. Tuck the lighter in a purse or pocket before exiting the vehicle.
MAZDA Ownership and Driving Advice from the Brown and Wood MAZDA Team
One ” item ” isn’t on our list, but it’s more important than any of them: please never leave your kids or pets alone in the car, regardless of the temperature and whether the vehicle is running. For other tips and help at any point in the car buying or ownership journey, call or visit Brown and Wood Mazda today.
