Why Can't You Sleep in the Car with the Air Conditioning On?
2 Answers
Sleeping in the car with the air conditioning on carries a risk of poisoning. Here are the specific reasons: Risk of carbon monoxide poisoning: If there is no wind, carbon monoxide can accumulate around the car, and its concentration increases over time. At this point, if the car is set to external air circulation, a large amount of carbon monoxide from outside could be drawn into the car, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning. Risk of unconsciousness and brain hypoxia: If you sleep in the car for a long time with the windows tightly closed and the air conditioning on internal circulation, the confined space of the car means that human respiration will cause the oxygen inside the car to decrease while the exhaled carbon dioxide increases. When the concentration of carbon dioxide in the car reaches a certain level, a person may experience unconsciousness and brain hypoxia, which in severe cases can lead to death.
Sleeping in the car with the air conditioning on poses significant risks, primarily because the running engine produces carbon monoxide exhaust, which is colorless and odorless. Once it seeps into the cabin, the accumulating concentration can lead to poisoning without you realizing it. I once heard a friend recount a real-life incident where a driver left the air conditioning on while resting, resulting in exhaust fumes flowing back into the car and causing unconsciousness—tragically, rescue efforts came too late. Additionally, the enclosed space of the car causes oxygen to deplete quickly, and when asleep, people's reactions are sluggish, making it difficult to notice symptoms. To avoid danger, always turn off the engine when resting in the car, open the windows for ventilation, or move to a safe area like a service station. Regular vehicle inspections of the exhaust system are also crucial to prevent leaks. Although the habit may seem tempting, safety comes first—don’t gamble with your life for convenience.
