When it comes to vehicle safety and security, what’s inside your glove box can make a significant difference. While it might seem convenient to store various items in this small compartment, certain belongings should never be left there. In this article, we’ll explore the things you should always keep out of your vehicle’s glove box to ensure both your safety and the security of your possessions.
Valuable Documents
Avoid storing important documents like your vehicle registration, insurance papers, or personal identification in the glove box. If your car is broken into, these documents can be used for identity theft or to steal your vehicle.
Spare Keys
Thieves often check this compartment first, and having an extra key can make it incredibly easy for them to steal your car. Additionally, if a thief finds your spare key, they can access your home or other properties if the key is labeled or identifiable. This not only compromises your vehicle’s security but also puts your personal safety and property at risk.
Electronics
Electronics should not be stored in the glove box because extreme temperatures can damage their internal components, reducing their lifespan and functionality. Heat can cause batteries to overheat and potentially leak or explode, while cold temperatures can drain battery life and affect performance. Additionally, the glove box is not a secure place, making electronics vulnerable to theft if your car is broken into.
Medications
Medications should not be stored in the glove box because extreme temperatures can alter their chemical composition, reducing their effectiveness and safety. Heat and cold can degrade active ingredients, making the medication less effective or even harmful. Additionally, a glove box is not a secure place, increasing the risk of theft or accidental misuse..
Cash and Credit Cards
Cash and credit cards should not be stored in the glove box because it is one of the first places thieves check during a break-in, making it easy for them to steal your valuables. Additionally, leaving these items in your car increases the risk of financial loss and identity theft if your vehicle is compromised. It’s always safer to keep cash and credit cards with you or in a more secure location.
Personal Information
Anything containing personal information, such as mail or receipts, should not be kept in the glove box. These items can be used for identity theft if they fall into the wrong hands. Thieves can use your personal data to commit fraud, access your financial accounts, or create fake identities, leading to significant financial and personal repercussions. To protect your identity, always store sensitive information in a secure place.
Garage Door Opener
A garage door opener can give a thief access to your home. If they find your address on any documents in the car, it could lead to a home invasion. This combination of accessible personal information and a means to enter your home poses a significant security risk, making it crucial to keep such items out of your vehicle or in a more secure location within the car.
Plastic Water Bottles
When your car is exposed to heat, the plastic water bottles in the glovebox also heat up. This can cause the chemical bonds in the plastic to break, releasing BPA and other harmful chemicals into the water, which can negatively impact your health.
Gums and Mints
Extreme temperatures can degrade the active ingredients in gums and mints. A common sweetener, aspartame, breaks down at higher temperatures, altering the taste and potentially causing health issues. Melted or deformed mints attract dust and debris, promoting bacterial growth and making them unsafe to consume, while mint or gum wrappers in the glovebox can attract bugs and roaches into your car.
Jewelry
Jewelry should not be stored in the glove box for several reasons. Firstly, it can attract thieves if your car is broken into, leading to potential loss of valuable items. Secondly, extreme temperatures inside the car can damage delicate jewelry, causing discoloration or warping. Lastly, the movement of the car can cause jewelry to get tangled or scratched, reducing its aesthetic and monetary value.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen should not be stored in the glove box because extreme temperatures can degrade its active ingredients, reducing its effectiveness. Heat can cause the sunscreen to separate or change in consistency, making it less reliable in protecting your skin from UV rays. Additionally, a compromised sunscreen may not provide the intended SPF protection, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin damage.
Perfume
Perfume should not be stored in the glove box because extreme temperatures can alter its chemical composition, affecting its scent and longevity. Heat can cause the fragrance to evaporate or degrade, resulting in a weaker or unpleasant smell. Additionally, the fluctuating temperatures can damage the bottle and its components, leading to leaks or breakage.