Cold Weather Vehicle No-Nos (Items to Avoid Storing in a Freezing Vehicle)
October 24, 2021
It's always easier to leave a few things in your vehicle so you'll have them on hand. But in cold weather, while it's a good idea to carry items such as a phone charger, blanket and shovel, there are some things you shouldn't store in your vehicle.
- Medicines and drugs. Cold temperatures can affect the chemical makeup of some drugs. Avoid leaving them in a vehicle, especially those in a liquid form like insulin, eye drops and cough syrup.
- Latex paint. They are water based, and when they freeze, they get lumpy and lousy. Your paint job will not be what you had in mind.
- Cellphones and computers. Most of these have lithium ion batteries. If they get colder than freezing (0 degrees C, 32 degrees F), if you try to charge them, you'll more than likely ruin the batteries.
- Bottled water, soda, wine or beer. OK, here's the scoop. All of these can freeze and split the container they're in. Yes, soda, wine and beer will take a lower temperature to freeze than water, but all of these can easily freeze if the mercury plunges low enough. The problem isn't when they're frozen; it's when they unfreeze, drip out of their containers and leave you with a colossal mess.
- Musical instruments. Guitars are made of wood. When a guitar freezes and you bring it quickly into a warm room, you may hear cracking sounds that tell you that guitar will be not-so-gently weeping from the damage that can occur. The same goes for wind instruments and others. Don't ever subject musical instruments to quick temperature extremes.
Take a little time and effort not to leave these things out in a frigid vehicle. You'll likely spend far more time and money tending to the resulting consequences than if you'd just brought them inside in the first place.
Spartan Tire Brighton
4880 Old U.S. 23
Brighton, MI 48114
8102277377
Need Service?
More articles from Spartan Tire Brighton

Keep It Smooth: Chassis Lubrication
September 6, 2026
If you have a truck, SUV or older car, chances are your vehicle has grease chassis fittings that need regular maintenance. Having them lubricated can give you a smoother, quieter ride and prevent more expensive repairs down the road. Its especially important on parts that have to move a lot, es... More

No Shake, Just Smooth
August 30, 2026
When your vehicles wheels are out of balance, theyll likely give you some clues. Your steering wheel might shake, the floor or seat vibrates and you might find your vehicle pulling to one side. Other signs? Your tires might wear unevenly and may make odd noises. Plus, fuel economy might not be ... More

Your Brakes Are Telling You Something: When Rotor Replacement Makes Sense
August 23, 2026
You may not realize it, but your vehicle is communicating with you all the time. For example, your brakes talk to you through sounds, vibrations and changes in how your vehicle feels when you stop. And one of your brakes components that eventually needs attention is the brake rotor. Brake rotors... More
