Will Shoes Left in the Car Get Damaged in Summer?
4 Answers
Shoes left in the car during summer won't get damaged. However, due to the high temperatures, the trunk can get very hot, causing some rubber and wax on leather shoes to melt slightly, producing a foul odor. Below are some related tips for odor removal: Simple Ventilation to Eliminate Odors: Keep the windows open while driving to allow ventilation. When parked, avoid sealing the windows completely—leave a small gap to let odors escape. New cars inevitably have some odor, so avoid keeping the windows tightly closed and the air conditioning on recirculation mode for extended periods. Frequently opening the windows for fresh air is the best solution. If the car is parked for a long time, leave a small gap in the windows to help dissipate odors quickly. Precautions for Odor Removal: When placing fruit peels inside the car, remember to replace them regularly to prevent spoilage in the enclosed environment. If placing whole fruits in the car, avoid placing them directly on the dashboard or near the windshield to prevent potential hazards while driving.
As a shoe enthusiast who pays great attention to footwear maintenance, storing shoes in the car during summer is absolutely a bad idea. Under direct sunlight, the temperature inside a car can soar above 50-60°C. Such high heat can cause genuine leather shoes to crack and deform, especially expensive leather shoes whose material may harden, become brittle, and lose flexibility. Synthetic materials fare even worse – plastic sandals or the mesh parts of sneakers might melt and stick together, with colors fading or turning yellow. The rubber soles also soften and deform easily, potentially damaging the shoe's overall structure. Even storing them in the trunk isn't much better since the entire car interior gets hot. Moreover, summer's high humidity can lead to bacterial growth and unpleasant odors when shoes are left in the car. Now, I make it a habit to bring my shoes inside to a cool place or use an insulated bag when driving home – never sacrifice beloved shoes for convenience.
As the one in charge of household expenses, I can't bear to waste money on new shoes, so I'm particularly concerned about their lifespan. Leaving shoes in the car during summer can indeed damage them—I've experienced it firsthand. Once I left a pair of sneakers on the back seat, and within a few days, the soles began to warp and loosen, making them uncomfortable to wear. High temperatures accelerate material aging: leather dries out and becomes brittle, while synthetic materials fare even worse, potentially melting or deforming. The car interior can become like an oven, especially when parked in direct sunlight. The trunk is slightly better, but temperature fluctuations are still significant. Another headache is the odor issue—shoes left enclosed can develop mold and produce unpleasant smells. I recommend everyone avoid doing this, especially with expensive footwear. If you must leave shoes in the car, wrap them in thick fabric for insulation or place them in a shaded corner. In the long run, this approach saves money and hassle, as proper care can extend a shoe's lifespan by several years.
After years of driving, I know the temperature inside a car can rise to frightening levels in summer. Leaving shoes in the car can indeed cause damage, as high heat can cause problems with various materials. Leather may crack and harden, while synthetic materials can melt and deform. The trunk is slightly cooler but still not safe. It's best to take your shoes out and store them elsewhere.
