Will You Suffocate from Sleeping in a Car with the Doors Closed?
4 Answers
Sleeping in a car with the doors closed will not cause suffocation. When the engine is turned off, the air circulation system usually remains in the external circulation mode, allowing fresh air from outside to enter the car through the air conditioning intake. Additionally, some air will also enter through the vents. Therefore, even with all the car doors and windows closed, occupants inside will not suffocate. More details are as follows: 1. You can sleep in the car after turning off the engine: The prerequisite is to be in an open and well-ventilated area, preferably with a window slightly open to ensure sufficient air exchange. 2. Do not sleep in the car with the engine idling and the air conditioning on: Prolonged idling of the engine can lead to incomplete fuel combustion, producing carbon monoxide gas. Inhaling excessive amounts of carbon monoxide can result in poisoning.
To be honest, I've tried sleeping in the car with the doors closed a few times. At first, it didn't seem like a big deal, but once I overslept and woke up feeling dizzy, realizing the oxygen had been gradually depleted. Cars aren't completely airtight—gaps around the doors and windows allow some air to circulate. A short nap of about twenty minutes is fine, but sleeping for several hours in a poorly ventilated garage or on a hot day can lead to a buildup of carbon dioxide, making you feel stuffy. Worse yet, if the engine is running, exhaust fumes containing carbon monoxide can seep into the car—that stuff is silent, odorless, and deadly. I recommend cracking a window slightly or turning on the air conditioning in ventilation mode if you really need to sleep in the car. Keeping the air flowing makes it much safer. Safety first—don't be as reckless as I was in my younger days.
After becoming a father, I'm particularly concerned about my child's safety in the car. Once the doors are closed, the confined space has limited oxygen. Prolonged breathing in an environment with high carbon dioxide concentration can easily cause dizziness or even suffocation for children with weaker constitutions. The risk is even greater in hot weather as temperatures rise rapidly, exacerbating air quality issues. I never allow my child to sleep alone in a closed car, even for just a few minutes. I've made it a habit to always leave the windows slightly open or use the air conditioning in external circulation mode. News reports show that most suffocation incidents involve children, so prevention is crucial. Even when I occasionally nap in the car myself, I only choose well-ventilated spots and limit it to under ten minutes. While the risk might seem low, it's important not to take chances.
For those who know a bit about cars: The body gaps allow a small amount of air to flow in and out, so the probability of suffocation when sleeping with doors closed for a short time is low. The key lies in the air conditioning system – using the external circulation mode to draw in fresh air can prevent oxygen deprivation, while the internal circulation mode reuses cabin air, causing oxygen levels to drop quickly, making it unsuitable for prolonged use. Be cautious of exhaust leaks when the engine is running, as carbon monoxide poses a greater threat. From my auto repair experience, these minor issues won’t affect short-term rest, but avoid staying in a closed car overnight—ensure proper ventilation. Safety first for peace of mind.
