Precautions for Sleeping in a Car with Air Conditioning in Summer
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Precautions for sleeping in a car with air conditioning in summer are as follows: 1. Maintain air circulation in the car: Always leave a gap in the window to prevent suffocation. In a sealed car, the air conditioning system can produce a large amount of carbon monoxide. In just over 20 minutes, the carbon monoxide concentration can exceed safe levels significantly, leading to a noticeable sense of suffocation. Regardless of the type of vehicle or whether the air recirculation is set to internal or external, carbon monoxide can still enter the cabin. Even luxury cars with excellent sealing are not safe when the air conditioning is on with internal recirculation. No matter how well-sealed a luxury car is, there are always ventilation holes. Without these holes, the air pressure created when closing the door can cause discomfort to the eardrums, and components like the steering column and windows cannot fit perfectly with the car body. 2. Sleeping posture: Due to limited space in the car, sleeping in it can easily cause muscle fatigue and lead to a stiff neck. In severe cases, it may even cause facial paralysis. 3. Low temperature leading to colds: When the temperature is too low, leaving the doors and windows open can easily result in catching a cold.
Sleeping in the car with the AC on during summer poses multiple risks that I must warn everyone about. The highest danger is carbon monoxide poisoning, especially when parked in garages or enclosed spaces, as engine exhaust can gradually seep into the cabin. Symptoms like dizziness and nausea may go unnoticed while asleep. I once had a close call myself—thankfully, a friend woke me in time. Always crack a window to ensure airflow. Don’t rely solely on the AC; check your car’s exhaust system for leaks and avoid engine overheating, which wastes fuel. Prolonged idling also drains the battery, risking a no-start. Park in open areas if possible, or use the fresh air mode instead. If absolutely necessary, set an hourly alarm to get up and move around, preventing accidents.
