LANSING, MI — Sub zero temperatures the next few days across mid-Michigan will be cold enough to freeze items left in your car in short time, says experts.
Here’s what to not leave in your car this week:
Cell phones and tablets
Leaving your cell phone or tablet in the car during freezing temperatures can cause several issues including damage to the lithium ion batteries inside, which are highly sensitive to extreme cold.
Pop and other canned liquids
Leaving pop or beer cans in your car during freezing temperatures can lead to a messy and potentially hazardous situation. Water-based liquids expand when they freeze, which can cause the cans to burst or explode.
Musical instruments
Musical instruments can be pricey to replace, so leaving your kid’s wooden clarinet in the backseat during a snowstorm is a bad idea.
Because of the sensitivity of materials like wood and metal to temperature changes, the cold, dry air can lead to cracks and warping on your instrument.
Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses can be an expensive — and important — investment for those who need them. So it’s important to keep your glasses in a protected, appropriate space during extreme cold.
Medication
If you head to the pharmacy in the cold temperatures, be sure to bring your medication bottles inside when you get home. 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. Liquid forms of medicine can freeze quickly, according to experts.
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