Is It Safe to Sleep in a Car with the Engine Running?
2 Answers
It is not safe to sleep in a car with the engine running. Sleeping in a car after turning off the engine is also not advisable. If you must sleep in a car, ensure the windows are open, the surrounding air is fresh, the temperature inside is not too high, and the car is parked in a safe location. Below are the dangers of sleeping in a car: Over time, the concentration of carbon monoxide inside the car will increase. With the doors and windows closed, the environment becomes oxygen-deprived, leading to worsening carbon monoxide poisoning in the body. In a short period, a person may experience dizziness and headaches, followed by temporary loss of consciousness in more severe cases, and even coma or death.
Honestly, I have to warn you to be really careful about sleeping in a car without turning off the engine. I've experienced it myself—during a long night drive, I was so exhausted that I pulled over, left the AC on, and dozed off. Within minutes, I felt dizzy and had chest tightness, realizing it was due to poor air circulation causing harmful gas buildup. You know, a running engine emits carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless killer. Especially when parked in an enclosed garage or with recirculation mode on, the concentration spikes rapidly, risking poisoning or even fatality. Modern cars may have smart ventilation systems, but idling also consumes shockingly high fuel—burning through a lot of money per hour. For safety, it's best to find a rest area or open space to turn off the engine and rest. If you must sleep, keep the windows open for airflow, and never risk doing this in urban or crowded areas.
