Can You Suffocate from Sleeping in a Car with the Air Conditioning On?
2 Answers
Yes. Here are the relevant details: 1. Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: When a car is stationary, the exhaust fumes do not disperse as they would while driving and can be drawn into the car by the air conditioning system, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning. 2. Risk of Oxygen Deprivation: A car in a prolonged enclosed state will gradually deplete oxygen levels inside, making sleeping in the car potentially fatal due to suffocation. Therefore, sleeping in a car with the air conditioning on is unsafe. 3. Precautions for Brief Naps: 1. Park in an Open Area: Choose a spacious location to park, preferably with the front of the car facing the wind direction. Even if the engine is left running, the exhaust will be blown away. Parking in confined spaces like underground garages can allow exhaust fumes to seep into the car. 2. Crack the Windows: When sleeping with the air conditioning on, leave a 2-3 cm gap in the windows to prevent suffocation or carbon monoxide poisoning. However, avoid leaving too large a gap to deter potential intruders. 3. Use External Air Circulation: It is advisable to activate the air conditioning's external circulation mode while sleeping in the car. This mode draws in outside air, maintaining airflow inside the vehicle.
As a seasoned driver who often rests in the car, I’ve experienced multiple instances of taking short naps after long-distance driving. Sleeping in the car with the air conditioning on does pose a risk of suffocation, primarily because the running engine produces carbon monoxide. If the parking location is enclosed or poorly ventilated, these toxic gases can seep into the car, causing oxygen deprivation. Once, I fell asleep in a garage with the air conditioning on and woke up feeling dizzy and weak—later realizing it was due to poor ventilation. Car air conditioning has two modes: recirculation and fresh air. The recirculation mode only cycles the air inside the car, which can lead to a buildup of carbon dioxide and a decrease in oxygen, causing discomfort over time. It’s advisable to set the air conditioning to fresh air mode to introduce outside air and slightly open a window to improve airflow. Additionally, avoid parking and resting in enclosed spaces like garages or tunnels with the engine running, as the risks are higher. Opt for open outdoor spaces instead, and regularly check the exhaust pipe for leaks. In short, safety comes first—ensuring proper ventilation can prevent suffocation.
