Is It Safe to Sleep in a Car with the Heater On?
2 Answers
It is not advisable to sleep in a car with the heater on. Below are precautions to take when using the car heater: 1. Do not turn on the heater immediately after starting the car: In cold winter, avoid turning on the heater right after starting the car. This is because the engine oil needs time to circulate and lubricate the components. Turning on the heater immediately can cause insufficient lubrication, increased friction between parts, and higher engine load, leading to higher fuel consumption and component wear. 2. Do not press the A/C button: Pressing the A/C button activates the air conditioning system, which starts the compressor and consumes additional fuel. Therefore, there is no need to press the A/C button when using the heater. 3. Turn off the heater before shutting down the engine: Failing to turn off the heater before shutting down the engine will cause the heater system to start along with the engine during the next ignition, increasing the engine's starting load.
I've been driving for many years, and I must remind you that sleeping in a car with the heater on is extremely dangerous. When the car engine is running, it emits carbon monoxide, a toxic gas. If the car is well-sealed and the gas leaks into the cabin, you could be poisoned without realizing it. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, and poisoning can cause headaches, vomiting, and in severe cases, even death. I've heard of many real-life cases where people wanted to stay warm in winter but ended up sleeping in a parked car without proper ventilation, leading to tragic outcomes. Even with the windows slightly open, the risk remains high, especially if the car is parked in an underground lot or a confined space. Car heaters are designed for use while driving, not for sleeping inside. If you need to rest, it's best to find a safe place, turn off the engine, or use a portable heater instead. Safety should always come first—don't risk a major loss for a small gain.
