Can You Sleep in the Car with the Heater On?
2 Answers
You cannot sleep in the car with the heater on, as it may lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. The correct operation method for using the heater in the car is as follows: 1. Always leave a small gap in the window to ensure air circulation between the inside and outside of the car; 2. If possible, avoid turning on the air conditioning to prevent an increase in carbon monoxide concentration; 3. Turn on the external circulation of the air conditioning before starting the car to ensure continuous air exchange between the inside and outside of the car, thereby avoiding carbon monoxide poisoning; 4. Set an alarm. Be aware that you may lose consciousness if you fall into a deep sleep, so it is essential to set an alarm. Based on the rate of carbon monoxide concentration increase, setting it every half hour is most appropriate to ensure you remain in a conscious state.
Sleeping in a car with the heater on is extremely dangerous and can be life-threatening. When a fuel-powered car's engine is running, it emits carbon monoxide—a colorless, odorless toxic gas that can silently seep into the vehicle through body gaps. Last year, a driver in our neighborhood's underground garage fell asleep with the heater on and never woke up; the autopsy report confirmed it was poisoning. Even the best vehicle sealing is ineffective, especially older cars that are more prone to leaks. As someone who frequently drives long distances, when I'm truly exhausted, I find a service area, turn off the engine completely, and sleep for twenty minutes wrapped in a down jacket—it's colder but safer. If you must use the heater, you must lower the window by three fingers' width to maintain ventilation, but this increases the risk of catching a cold. It’s far better to find a proper hotel to rest.
