Does sleeping in a car with the air conditioning on in summer affect the car?
4 Answers
Sleeping in a car with the air conditioning on in summer does affect the car. The specific impacts include: 1. If the engine speed is too low, it can cause unstable engine operation and incomplete combustion, leading to carbon deposits; 2. It can result in poor system cooling, which easily causes the water temperature to rise too high. An overheated engine can easily be damaged. When the car is stationary, the exhaust fumes are not blown away by the wind as they would be while driving, and can easily be drawn into the car by the air conditioning system, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning. If the car remains closed for a long time, the oxygen level inside will gradually decrease, making it easy to suffocate while sleeping in the car. Therefore, sleeping in a car with the air conditioning on is unsafe.
I've experienced sleeping in a car with the AC on, and it felt extremely unsafe. When the car idles with the AC running, the engine keeps working and emits exhaust fumes. If parked in an enclosed space like a garage, carbon monoxide levels can rise, potentially leading to poisoning or even fatal consequences. Safety comes first—I always choose to park in a ventilated area or simply take a short nap without the AC in such situations. This not only protects my health but also reduces wear and tear on the vehicle. Additionally, prolonged engine idling can lead to carbon buildup, affecting performance. It's best to develop good habits and find safe places to rest to avoid risks. In the long run, this brings peace of mind for both the car and myself.
As a car owner, I've calculated the costs. Sleeping in the car with the AC on in summer consumes a lot of fuel. Idling can burn several liters of gasoline per hour, resulting in significant fuel expenses overnight. What's more annoying is that the battery might drain, causing starting difficulties and additional repair costs. I once tested it - after sleeping with the AC on for several hours, the battery voltage was so low the next day that the car almost wouldn't start. Battery replacement isn't cheap either. This habit also increases engine load, shortening its lifespan, making it uneconomical in the long run. Choosing to park in the shade and rest with the engine off, or using sunshades to cool down, saves fuel and protects the car. It's more financially sensible.
From a health perspective, I have deep personal experience. Sleeping in a car with the air conditioning on can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, especially in summer when air circulation is poor. Once, I took a short nap in the car when I was exhausted and woke up feeling dizzy—fortunately, I had left the window open. The accumulation of exhaust fumes is highly hazardous. Moreover, the noise and vibrations in the car affect sleep quality, leaving you feeling even more fatigued after resting. Poor condition while driving increases the risk of accidents. It's advisable to avoid staying in the car for prolonged periods and instead find a quiet place to rest properly. Health should come first to ensure the safe use of the car.
