IS IT DANGEROUS TO SLEEP WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ON IN YOUR CAR?

Is it dangerous to turn on the air conditioner in your car and sleep to avoid the heat?

That's very dangerous, because with the car doors closed, people are exposed to carbon monoxide (CO), which can cause oxygen deprivation in the brain.

Recommendations from experts

Turning on the air conditioner in a closed car produces carbon monoxide (CO). After 20 minutes, the concentration of this gas can exceed permissible levels, especially when the car is in a garage or basement. Because air circulation is poor in such conditions, staying in the car for too long could lead to suffocation. Therefore: "If you want to turn on the air conditioner and rest in your car, remember not to close the doors completely to ensure proper air circulation."

What is the difference between driving and sitting in a car for hours with the doors closed, and sleeping while the car is moving?

According to experts, even modern cars with air conditioning that automatically draws in outside air to balance the air temperature can still cause suffocation if you sleep in the car for too long. When the engine is running, the car is parked and the doors are closed, the air conditioner draws in air directly from around the car, including carbon monoxide (CO) emitted from the exhaust pipe. When the car is parked for too long, much of the air the air conditioner draws in is CO from the exhaust pipe.

This causes oxygen depletion, making respiration impossible, leading to dehydration and fluid loss, and potentially death within 2-3 hours. In any enclosed environment, the more people there are, the faster the oxygen is depleted, resulting in a shorter death time. Similarly, an overheated car engine from prolonged inactivity can cause the forced cooling system to malfunction, leading to a lack of air, and those sleeping inside the car will gradually lose consciousness, endangering their lives.

Many drivers, due to fatigue, take advantage of the opportunity to sleep in their cars, unaware that this is a dangerous practice.

However, there is a difference compared to driving a car with the air conditioning on for hours on end. While it's still a closed environment, when you're awake, you can easily sense the temperature inside the car, and your body can regulate its temperature accordingly. Furthermore, continuous movement allows the air conditioning to function more efficiently. Even in recirculation mode, after a while, the air conditioner will automatically draw in outside air to balance the air content inside the car.

Please pay attention and make sure you understand the basic knowledge of safe riding to ensure your own safety and the safety of others!