Does sleeping in the car with the AC on consume fuel?
2 Answers
Sleeping in the car with the AC on consumes fuel. Impact on the vehicle: Running the AC for extended periods while idling can affect the vehicle's cooling system. When the vehicle is in the ignition state, the engine is operational, generating heat. While driving, the movement of the vehicle creates airflow, which helps dissipate some of the engine's heat. However, when idling, there is no airflow to assist in cooling, so the engine's heat can only be dissipated through the vehicle's cooling system. Carbon buildup: Prolonged idling can also lead to carbon buildup in the engine. Even without the AC on, extended idling can cause carbon deposits to form inside the engine.
It really consumes a lot of fuel when I sleep in the car with the air conditioning on. As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I've encountered this situation many times. The engine continues to run at idle, and the air conditioning compressor requires power, which leads to additional fuel consumption. Once, after a long trip, I was so exhausted that I slept in the car with the air conditioning on for three hours, and nearly a quarter of the fuel in the tank was burned. The fuel consumption with the air conditioning on at idle is much higher than during normal driving, consuming 2-3 liters of gasoline per hour, which quickly drains your wallet. More importantly, it's a safety issue. The car emits carbon monoxide in an enclosed space, which is extremely dangerous and potentially fatal. Now, when I need to rest, I choose a shady spot, turn off the engine, and open the windows—saving fuel and ensuring peace of mind. My advice is not to take the risk; safety always comes first.
