10 Things You Never Want to Keep In Your Car During Winter

In west Texas, the cold temperatures don't mess around. It can get frigid. Winter can rear its ugly head at any time. If you're like me, you want to be prepared, and your vehicle can sometimes turn into a catch-all for gadgets and tools that could help in a moment of need. I've come to find out the hard way, however - be careful what you keep in your ride during colder months.

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The Family Handyman has a list of items you should never keep in your car during the winter months. Some of these may seem like no-brainers, but it's worth a friendly reminder.

LOOK: 10 THINGS TO NEVER KEEP IN YOUR CAR DURING WINTER

Canned Beverages

Leaving canned drinks in your vehicle when the temperatures dip below freezing can result in a big mess. Don't forget to take these inside.

Cell Phones

Smartphone manufacturers strongly advise against exposing your cell phone to extremely cold temperatures. It wreaks havoc on the battery and may affect the overall operation.

Musical Instruments

Leaving musical instruments out in the cold could knock them out of tune. Wooded instruments in particular can crack or even split in these conditions.

Eggs

Exposing eggs to extreme cold can freeze them right in their shells. If this happens, you might as well pitch them in the trash.

Aerosol Spray Cans

Aerosol cans like those containing spray paint should never be exposed to freezing temperatures. Cold temps can lead to the can being unstable, cracking or even exploding.

Medications

When stored properly, medications can be lifesavers. However, cold temperatures can affect not only the potency of the drug but how it works.

Canned Foods

Here's another item that could cause a big mess if left in your car. Just like soda cans, these have the ability to explode under freezing conditions. Trust me. I've learned the hard way.

Glasses

Yes, the cold can affect your reading glasses too. I had a friend lose an expensive pair of frames because they cracked after being left in the cold.

Diabetic Insulin

Once again, cold temperatures play a part. Insulin left at colder temps can have its potency diminished.

Electronics

Just like you and me, laptops and devices do not like the cold. Chilly temperatures can affect how the device operates, as well as damage processors.

On the other side of the spectrum are items you absolutely do want in your vehicle, especially during the winter months. Having the following on hand when freezing weather hits could pull you out of a tight spot.