Six things you need to throw away from your car

Your car is an extension of your home and yourself. The way you maintain it says a lot about you. 

Whether you realize it or not, anyone who has entered your car has judged you either consciously or subconsciously. They could assume that you aren’t keen on keeping yourself or your house clean.

No-one’s car can ever be perfectly clean from top to bottom, but you will agree that, if you’re not careful, it’s very easy for it to become cluttered with things that shouldn’t be there.

Below are a few things that shouldn’t be in your car.

1. Batteries and lighters

Any item that could pose such a risk needs to be thrown out. Something as simple as a lighter or batteries could potentially lead to a horrendous accident if left lying about. Exposing these items to high temperatures in the car can lead to fires. For your own safety, don’t keep any fire hazards in your car.

2. Plastic bottles

Certain items when left in the car can become toxic. Some studies have shown that chemicals used to make plastic bottles, like Bisphenol A (BPA), when left in hot environments for too long, could leak into your beverage leading to health conditions like cancer and heart ailments. Thus, when you get out of your car, carry your plastic bottles with you. 

3. Medication

Medication too shouldn’t be left in the car. While the excess heat might not ruin the medicine, it can make them less effective. There’s a reason why you’re advised to store your medicine in a cool dark place. 

4. Empty containers

How many times have you gone to buy engine oil or brake fluid and thrown the empty bottle in the boot, or behind the front seat and then forgotten about it? It happens to most of us. Such containers can end up staining your floor mats, carpets and seats making your car dirty. The same applies to empty food containers. Get rid of anything that could end up making your car dirtier or be a breeding ground for bacteria.

5. Exhausted car supplies

That empty air freshener can or that stick that doesn’t have a scent anymore needs to go ASAP. It’s not uncommon to forget to replace car accessories especially when you have a busy routine between taking the kids to school, rushing to work, picking the kids from school and then rushing home to prepare dinner. The last thing on your mind is these small details in your car. What you can do is give your car a quick check every weekend to take note of what needs to be thrown out and replaced.

6. Makeup that’s been in there too long

It’s not a great idea to keep using makeup that’s been in the car for a long time. The consistency changes over time, which compromises the quality. It could also become mouldy due to humid conditions. Protect your skin from infections by getting rid of any product that has been sitting in your car for too long.