Can You Sleep in a Car with the Air Conditioning On in Summer?
2 Answers
It is not advisable to sleep in a car with the air conditioning on during summer, and here are the reasons: 1. When the engine is idling while the air conditioning is on, incomplete combustion of gasoline releases various pollutants. 2. Particularly, carbon monoxide levels can be more than 10 times higher than during normal driving. If the car's windows and doors are closed, and the external air circulation system is not activated, airflow is restricted. When the concentration of carbon monoxide in the car reaches a certain level, it can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Additionally, as carbon monoxide levels rise, oxygen becomes scarce, potentially causing hypoxia and suffocation.
Every time I consider sleeping in the car with the AC on during hot weather, I get nervous. Last year, a friend of mine almost had an accident—he parked in the garage and slept for two hours, then felt dizzy and nauseous. The doctor later said it was a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. With the engine running, exhaust fumes can seep into the car, especially in summer when temperatures are high and air circulation is poor, making it even more dangerous. Prolonged use of the AC can also dehydrate you and dry out your skin. I strongly advise against doing this. If you're really tired, find a shady spot, turn off the engine, and crack the windows for ventilation. Remember, safety comes first—sleeping in the car isn’t worth the risk. It’s better to find a rest area or a hotel.
