Is It Dangerous to Sleep in a Car with the Air Conditioning On?
2 Answers
It is dangerous. Idling situation: When the car is moving, the carbon monoxide produced will decrease or disappear with the rapid convection of air. However, when idling, even outdoors, if there is no wind, carbon monoxide can accumulate around the car, and the concentration will increase over time. At this time, if the car is set to external circulation, a large amount of carbon monoxide from outside the car may be drawn into the car, causing carbon monoxide poisoning. Tightly closed windows: If you sleep in the car for a long time with the windows tightly closed and the air conditioning set to internal circulation, the small space of the car will cause the oxygen inside to decrease due to human respiration, while the exhaled carbon dioxide will increase. When the concentration of carbon dioxide in the car reaches a certain level, people may experience unconsciousness and brain hypoxia, and in severe cases, it can lead to death.
As a long-time driving enthusiast, I am well aware of the significant risks associated with sleeping in a car with the air conditioning on. The primary danger comes from carbon monoxide gas emitted while the engine is running—colorless and odorless, yet capable of accumulating rapidly in a closed vehicle, leading to poisoning or even life-threatening situations, especially when the car is parked in a garage or narrow space where backflow is more likely. During my road trips, I once witnessed a friend experiencing dizziness and nausea after idling with the AC on for sleep; a later inspection revealed severe exhaust pipe leakage. Additionally, while the AC system circulates air, it may draw in exhaust fumes, and the reduced oxygen levels from humidification can lead to hypoxia. Safety recommendations include avoiding sleeping with the engine running, choosing open areas to turn off the engine and open windows for ventilation if rest is necessary, and equipping a carbon monoxide detector for added peace of mind. Cars are not designed for prolonged idling, and the health risks far outweigh the brief comfort gained.