Can You Sleep in the Car with the Engine Off?
3 Answers
It is possible to sleep in the car with the engine off. Here are some considerations about sleeping in the car with the engine off: 1. Recommendations: When the carbon dioxide concentration in a closed vehicle reaches 3%, it can cause breathing difficulties and negatively impact health. Therefore, it is generally recommended to open the windows for ventilation when sleeping in the car with the engine off to prevent suffocation or oxygen deprivation. 2. Hazards: At lower temperatures, you may catch a cold; at higher temperatures, oxygen deprivation may occur. Muscle fatigue is also likely. Poor ventilation can lead to chest tightness and, in severe cases, suffocation.
I've tried sleeping in the car with the engine off a few times, and my experience is that it's possible but under very harsh conditions. In summer without AC, the cabin temperature can rise to 50-60°C within ten minutes with all windows closed, while opening windows invites mosquitoes. In winter, even wrapped in thick blankets, frost on the windows makes you shiver from cold. The cramped space makes turning over difficult, and you'll wake up with neck pain after one night. The most critical danger is air circulation - last year there was news about a car owner suffering CO2 poisoning after sleeping with closed windows in an underground parking lot. If you must sleep, choose a shady, ventilated open area, leave a three-finger-width window gap, and set a two-hour phone alarm to prevent oversleeping. Carrying a portable air quality monitor would provide extra peace of mind.
The matter of sleeping in a turned-off car depends on the specific situation. My advice is to try to avoid it, but if you're really too tired to continue, the key is to park the car in a safe spot first. Find an open parking lot with ample lighting, and never park in tunnels or underground garages. Turn on the hazard lights and roll down the windows about five centimeters for ventilation. Hang a reflective warning sign on the rearview mirror to alert passing vehicles. Remember to lock the doors but don’t engage the central locking system, so you can open the door to escape in an emergency. Keep a bottle of water and wet wipes in the armrest compartment in case you get thirsty at night. It’s best to lay down the rear seats and place an inflatable mattress, but many sedans don’t have fully flat rear seats, so prolonged sleeping can strain your lower back. Using a cushion for lumbar support can make it more comfortable.
