Is it safe to rest in the car with the air conditioning on for a long time?
2 Answers
It is not safe to rest in the car with the air conditioning on for a long time. 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. Additionally, if the car remains sealed for an extended period, the oxygen level inside the car will gradually decrease, increasing the risk of suffocation while sleeping. Precautions for resting in the car with the air conditioning on: Park in an open area: The car should be parked in an open space, preferably with the front facing the wind direction. Even if the engine is left running, the exhaust fumes will be blown away. If parked in a confined space like an underground parking lot, the exhaust fumes may seep into the car. 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, the gap should not be too large to avoid potential security risks. Use the external air circulation mode: When sleeping in the car, it is best to turn on the external air circulation mode of the air conditioning. This mode draws in fresh air from outside, keeping the air inside the car circulating.
I also enjoy resting in my car sometimes, but keeping the air conditioning on for too long is really not advisable. The main concern is the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, especially when using recirculation mode in underground parking or enclosed spaces – it could be life-threatening. I've heard of cases where people got poisoned because the exhaust pipe was blocked by snow. Plus, keeping the engine idling for long periods leads to serious carbon buildup, and the fuel costs over a month can be quite painful. If you really need to take a nap in the car, it's best to use fresh air mode, crack the windows slightly, and park in a shaded open area. And remember – don't exceed 20 minutes, set an alarm to turn off the engine on time.
