In cold weather, it’s wise not to leave medicines, food, or smartphones sitting in a car for long. This guidance comes from Radiosputnik.ru, quoting Maxim Kadakov, the editor-in-chief of the magazine Behind the Wheel. He notes that the best way to store medicines is in a controlled environment where temperatures stay above freezing. A refrigerator or a cool indoor spot is preferable, and medicines should not be exposed to the chill of a car interior on frosty days. The takeaway is simple: always take essential medications with you when you park for a while, and avoid stashing them in a vehicle during winter.
Kadakov emphasizes that foods, beverages, and common household items should also stay out of the car when the temperature drops. Low temperatures can cause nutrient loss, texture changes, and spoilage for certain products, and liquids can separate or degrade faster in a frozen cabin. Items like pens and other everyday goods may become brittle or malfunction because of the cold. The practical rule is to remove perishables and anything you value from the car during cold snaps and store them in a warmer space instead.
Beyond perishables, the expert advises taking electronic devices out of the vehicle. Cold conditions can affect battery performance and charging behavior, and moisture inside the device can lead to condensation as it thaws. Keeping smartphones, tablets, and laptops out of the car during extreme frost helps preserve their longevity and reduces the risk of damage when the device is later brought indoors and powered up. If devices must travel, allow them to acclimate in a warmer room before use to minimize condensation and potential short circuits. (Kadakov, Radiosputnik.ru).
Viability in frosty weather also hinges on how quickly a car’s metal and interior surfaces reach beyond freezing. The car’s interior can become a moisture trap, leading to damp air, fogged windows, and potential mold growth when a vehicle is repeatedly heated and cooled. A small routine of moving valuables to a safe, sheltered indoor space during winter can prevent accidental damage and improve the overall condition of items when they are needed again.
Another point to consider is snow on the roof. Vyacheslav Subbotin, an automobile expert, has explained the dangers of driving with snow lingering on top of the vehicle. Snow layers can detach and strike the windshield of following cars, creating a sudden hazard. A clear roof improves visibility for you and other drivers, minimizing the chance of an emergency caused by obscured vision. In addition, large chunks of snow dislodged from the roofs of trucks can behave like an avalanche, blasting onto smaller vehicles behind or beside them. Observing simple precautions, such as clearing the roof and debris from the hood, contributes to safer winter driving for everyone on the road. (Subbotin).
In winter, Russians have also learned to beware of plain indicators of car trouble that can show up in cold weather. If a vehicle begins to behave unusually after an icy start or a cold night, it’s often a sign that a quick check is in order. Keeping a lightweight emergency kit, a blanket, a flashlight, and basic tools in the trunk helps drivers handle minor issues without risking a breakdown in freezing conditions. Practicing preventative care, like checking antifreeze levels, tire tread, and battery health before and during the cold months, contributes to safer and more reliable winter travel.