Can You Sleep in a Car with the Engine Off?
3 Answers
You can sleep in a car with the engine off. Here are some precautions to consider when sleeping in a car: 1. Ensure proper ventilation and warmth: Slightly open a window or door. However, it is not recommended to sleep in a new car due to the presence of harmful substances like formaldehyde in the leather and fabrics, which can be carcinogenic. 2. If sleeping with the engine idling and the air conditioning on, never use the recirculation mode: Incomplete fuel combustion produces carbon monoxide, which can accumulate inside the car and lead to fatal poisoning. It is advisable to partially open a window to allow air circulation. 3. Take a break of at least 20 minutes after driving for 4 hours: However, do not stop and sleep on the emergency lane of a highway, as this can lead to rear-end collisions.
Sleeping in a car after turning off the engine involves risks that depend on the situation. If the car is parked in an enclosed space like a garage or basement, it is absolutely unsafe to sleep inside. After the engine stops, exhaust fumes can accumulate, and if there are small leaks, colorless and odorless carbon monoxide may seep into the car, leading to poisoning or even suffocation—I’ve seen tragic news reports about such incidents. Even outdoors, ensure proper ventilation by cracking a window to allow fresh air in. Additionally, the confined space of a car can cause discomfort; prolonged cramped positioning may lead to back pain and labored breathing, making rest ineffective. A short nap, like while waiting to pick someone up, is manageable, but it shouldn’t be a long-term solution. For safety, I recommend doing this only in emergencies, preferably setting an alarm to avoid oversleeping, or simply finding a nearby hotel or rest area. Spending a little extra money is far better than risking your life.
I often feel exhausted after long-distance driving and take a quick nap in the car after turning off the engine. It feels quite convenient, but honestly, it's not very comfortable. The seats are hard, and lying on them for too long makes my back stiff. The temperature fluctuates greatly—freezing cold in winter and scorching hot like a steamer in summer. The ventilation is also poor; keeping all windows closed can cause headaches or skin allergies due to stuffiness. Although turning off the engine saves fuel and is eco-friendly, I've found that short rests are manageable, but sleeping overnight leaves me even more fatigued upon waking. I remember once experimenting in a parking lot—cracking the window slightly improved airflow, but the noise disturbance was significant. Overall, it works as an occasional stopgap for fatigue, but don’t rely on it. Proper rest in a real bed is essential for health.
