MOTORS experts have revealed your car can kill your phone’s battery for good – and seven other “hidden” dangers.
Car pros at CarMoney said many Brits do not realise that they can be damaged if left in freezing weather overnight.
GettyDrivers have been warned to avoid leaving certain items in their cars this winter[/caption]
Most phone batteries are made of lithium – which is one of the most vulnerable components to cold.
A prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can damage your phone and stop working.
Cars experts said: “Leaving laptops and other electronic devices is also a bad item due to their internal lithium-ion batteries becoming compromised by the cold weather.
“Expensive electronics should also be moved out of the car overnight due to security reasons.”
Car owners should also avoid leaving tech appliances like laptops or tablets behind as they can get easily damaged.
“You’ll find that your batteries will run out of energy sooner due to the cold temperature affecting the electrochemical reactions within the battery, and alkaline batteries can even burst and leak,” they added.
But there are other items drivers should careful – including aerosols.
Motor pros explained: “A low temperature can cause the pressurised cans to destabilise, resulting in cracks or even an explosion of the can.
“The same goes for hairspray, spray paint or WD-40.”
Meanwhile, below-zero temperatures can cause canned food to freeze, expand and break the seal.
“If the seal is not broken after being left overnight in freezing temperatures, it may be possible to defrost the tin of food in the fridge but if it looks or smells bad, do not eat it,” experts said.
You should also take fizzy drinks with you when jumping out of your car as sub zero temperatures can cause them to explode.
Instead, experts recommend to keep “cartons of juice or bottled water” in your vehicle if you need to store emergency drinks for the little ones.
Medication can also be affected by the cold weather.
Motors pros said: “Many people may leave their medication in the car as a reminder to take them on their daily commute.
“However, leaving prescribed medications in the car overnight during the winter may hinder their effectiveness, and even render them dangerous to take.”
Fragile items like glasses can also be vulnerable – and you could come back to a broken frame if left unattended overnight.
Similarly, music instruments can shrink or expand during freezing weather and can damage the glue joints and become unplayable.
It comes as drivers have been warned against misusing their fog lights in winter as they risk a fine and points on their licence.
Peter Wadell, CEO of BigWantsYourCar, urged motorists to avoid the common error as the weather turns cold.