Leaving These 5 Things in Your Car Could Cost You

Between rushing to work, spending time with friends and family, running errands, and all the other things we do daily, our car often becomes a second home. We stash many things, such as vital documents, snacks, and first-aid kits, on the dashboard, glove compartment, or backseat because we think we may need them at any time, especially during an emergency. However, some things should not be left behind in your car due to two significant threats many car owners face in Nigeria: theft and the searing heat that can turn your car into an oven. Forgetting to remove certain items could cost you far more than the inconvenience of returning home to drop them off. Read Also: 7 Best Car Insurance To Buy In Nigeria. 5 Things You Should Never Leave In Your Car and Why Here are five things you should never leave in your car: why they’re dangerous, what to keep instead, plus where to buy them. 1. Children and  Pets  There are so many reasons why you shouldn’t leave children and pets in a car, but heat and kidnapping top the list. Heat can skyrocket within minutes, which is lethal for children and pets. Never leave children or pets alone in the car—even for a minute. Either get a babysitter to look after them or take them everywhere. 2. Valuables Even in a moving vehicle, phones get snatched in Lagos, let alone a parked car. Loose cash, wallets, or any valuable possessions left in plain sight are an open invitation to thieves who can shatter windows in seconds. Original travel documents and vehicle papers are invaluable, but once lost, replacement can be expensive and time-consuming. It’s best to keep originals at home, carry digital copies on your phone or in cloud storage, or keep photocopies in a secure storage box.Car Stash BoxPrice: ₦38,500. Where to buy: Slay Car Accessories. 3. Smartphones & Electronics Smartphones, tablets and electronics are the top targets for smash-and-grab thieves. Exposure to heat can damage batteries, cause swelling, shorten lifespan, or—even worse—lead to fire hazards.Read Also: Tech Tools To Track Your Car & Prevent Theft.What To DoUnplug and remove power banks or electronics when not in use.Store them in a sunblock pouch or thermal laptop/gadget sleeve.For added protection against theft, consider investing in a portable car safe. Portable Car Safe With PasswordPrice: ₦65,900. Where to Buy: Shop Jumia.  4. Shade-Sensitive Materials (Paints, Deodorants, Perfume, Sprays, Medicines) It’s always good to smell nice, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. These materials should not be left in a car due to the risk of damage from high temperatures. Heat can cause chemicals to break down, paint cans to rupture, aerosol sprays to lose pressure, and medicines like insulin to become ineffective. To regulate the car’s interior environment, drugs should be stored in insulated cases or coolers, and sun blockers or dehumidifiers should be used.SunBlocker Magnetic Foldable Windshield ShadePrice: ₦25,000. Where to Buy: De_leons_caraccessories.Pill OrganizerPrice: ₦4,000. Where to Buy: Staplesbyannette. 5. Consumables (Plastic Drinks, Groceries & Food Items) What Items Should You Always Keep In Your Car? With these basics on board, you’ll feel ready for almost anything—a sudden downpour, a long traffic jam, or an unexpected roadside hiccup.  1. Compact First-Aid Kit 2. Portable USB Fan 3. Torchlight Oil change at night? Flat tyre by the roadside? A bright torch makes life easier (and safer) at night.Price: ₦27,700. Where to Buy: Shop Jumia. 4. Big Battery Charger and Jump Start Cables