The glove box of your car is a practical compartment in which you store, depending on the intended use, all the objects you want to have close at hand when you are driving, such as documents relating to your vehicle (manual, map grey), your mobile phone, or even a first aid kit. But did you know that there is a hidden switch in this compartment that can make your life easier and your travels more pleasant? In this article, we will reveal to you what this mysterious switch is used for and how you can take advantage of it, especially in case of long journeys.
There’s a hidden switch in the glove compartment of most newer cars, but few people know what it’s for. If this is your case, this revelation may pleasantly surprise you, as this very useful function could simplify your life.
The glove box: a storage space, but not only
The glove box is above all a storage compartment located in the passenger compartment of your car, which can be locked and therefore secured. In addition to the things you want to keep close at hand, you can store important documents on the go. By placing them in this space, usually located under the dashboard on the passenger side, you can be sure that they will be protected and hidden from prying eyes, even if, as you will see later in the article, it is strictly inadvisable to keep valuable things there when you leave your vehicle. But in addition to its initial storage function, this sealed and hermetic enclosure, thanks to the switch hidden within it, on certain car models, can be transformed into a mini-fridge.
Opening a glove box – Source: spm
It’s easy to turn your vehicle’s glove box into a refrigerator. All you have to do is find the hidden switch. Most modern cars are equipped with this element, which is usually located inside the glove compartment. This device can take different forms. Commonly symbolized by a snowflake, it can take the form of a button, a lever or a switch, depending on the model of your vehicle.. By pressing the switch or turning it, after turning on the air conditioning in your car, cold air is forced into the glove box. In a few minutes, you can put drinks, food or medicine in it that will be kept cool. Enough to spend a pleasant trip, especially in hot weather, without the constraint of a bulky cooler. If you’re planning a road trip next summer, take a look inside your glove box, you’ll probably be able to benefit from this feature. Note, however, that the use of this compartment must be done appropriately: some things should never be stored there.
Objects stored in a glove box – Source: spm
These things you should never keep in your glove box
Your car’s glove box may have a locking latch, but that doesn’t make it a safe. Originally designed to store driving gloves, it has become, over time, a versatile storage space for various objects. but there are some things that are best avoided in this compartment.
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Personal documents and garage remote control
It is important not to leave any documents containing personal information or your garage door remote control in the glove box. Indeed, car thieves can seize your car and search this storage space and find sensitive information that they can use to commit their misdeeds.
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Receipts, invoices and credit card number
It’s also best not to leave bills or receipts with your home address or credit card number in the glove box. This information can be useful for identity thieves.
You should also not put the batteries of your devices in the glove compartment, especially in hot weather and if the air conditioning is not activated. High temperatures can damage the batteries and cause liquid leaks which can be dangerous and may cause fires, burns or skin irritationin contact with skin or eyes.
In summary, the glove compartment of your car is a very practical space for storing useful items and an ideal alternative to the cooler, thanks to the refrigeration function available on some recent vehicle models. Nevertheless, it is important to use this compartment with caution and not to store certain dangerous or sensitive objects in it.
Read also The secret glove box feature everyone should know
Via SPM