Can You Suffocate In A Car With All The Windows Closed? Trapped Air Dangers

Occasionally you may feel the need to take a nap or even sleep overnight in your car.

No, you generally won't suffocate in a car with all the windows closed because cars are not airtight. However, even with all the windows rolled up, cars let in fresh air through the vents, which brings in some amount of oxygen, making it possible for you to breathe.

This post addresses how safe the practice of sleeping in cars is. Have a look!

Can You Suffocate In A Car With Closed Windows?

Suffocating in a car with the windows rolled up is very unlikely. This is because when the car windows are closed, its ventilation system continues to circulate air within the interior cabin.

There are rubber seals around the doors and windows of a car that prevent conventional weather elements, such as rain, from getting inside. However, even if this sealing keeps fresh air out, some can still seep inside through the air ducts around the cabin.

You risk suffocating when you have too many people inside the car or parked in an enclosed place with the engine idling.

How Long Can You Breathe In A Car With The Windows Closed?

According to a study conducted by Harvard University, the air inside a car with closed windows changes one to three times per hour. So, there is very little chance of you running out of oxygen.

As said above, cars are not airtight. However, an average midsize car holds about 3,000 to 4,000 liters of air, so there is plenty of oxygen for a single person or a couple.

Vehicles are also equipped with a ventilation system with air ducts going in and out of the passenger cabin. Even if the windows are rolled up, these air ducts help promote air circulation so you won't be deprived of oxygen and can breathe for as long as you want.

Can You Suffocate If You Sleep In Your Car With The Windows Up?

Under normal circumstances, there is very little chance of suffocation if you sleep in a car with windows up. However, the risk increases when you are parked in an enclosed space with the engine idling or when you have too many people sleeping in the same vehicle.

Let's see how these are risk factors:

Sleeping In A Sealed Car With Too Many People

You are sleeping in a car with windows closed, and the air vents bring fresh air from outside. There is no risk of suffocation in these circumstances.

But if you are sleeping with more people inside the car, they will also inhale some amount of air present in the cabin.

The same Harvard study found out that if about nine people sleep inside the same car with windows closed, the oxygen inside the cabin can theoretically be depleted before it is sufficiently replaced.

Sleeping In A Sealed Car With Engine Idling

You can suffocate while sleeping in a car with windows closed if it is parked in an enclosed space and the engine is left running.

This is because a car exhaust emits toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide, that can be dangerous if inhaled in substantial quantities. If you have chosen an enclosed space, like a garage, as your sleeping spot, the fumes can build up and find their way inside the cabin where you are sleeping.

This can also happen when you are parked in an open space but close to other vehicles with engines idling. The fumes from their tailpipes may make their way inside your car, risking carbon monoxide poisoning.

Can You Run Out Of Oxygen Sleeping In A Car?

No, under normal circumstances, you cannot run out of oxygen while sleeping in a car.

The air we breathe in contains 21% oxygen. So when an average adult inhales the air, it consumes about 5 to 6% of its oxygen and exhales the rest of the 15%.

This means even if you are breathing in the same air, you can safely inhale it two to three times more. So if you are alone, your car has enough oxygen to keep you breathing for several hours as you sleep.

Not to forget the 1 to 3 air changes per hour that will bring fresh oxygen from the outside.

Can You Get Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Sleeping In A Car?

It is possible to get carbon monoxide poisoning while sleeping in a car.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a much more serious concern about sleeping in a sealed car than suffocation. Several factors may lead to carbon monoxide poisoning when sleeping in a car.

Engine Idling While Parked In An Enclosed Location

Sleeping with your engine on can create a life-threatening situation if you have chosen an enclosed space as your sleeping spot.

Your car's exhaust system emits carbon monoxide as a part of its exhaust gases. When you are parked in a place with minimal air movement, the car's intake ducts pull these fumes in along with the air.

Since carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, it might go undetected and slowly accumulate in the cabin, eventually leading to poisoning.

Parking Close to Other Running Vehicles

Even if your car is not running, it can pull in the toxic carbon monoxide emitted by the surrounding vehicles.

With the windows closed, the carbon monoxide concentration in the cabin air might slowly rise and become fatal.

Faulty Exhaust System

If your car has a faulty exhaust system, it may leak toxic exhaust gases into your passenger cabin.

This can also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning if your windows are rolled up and there is insufficient airflow to disperse the fumes.

How To Stay Safe While Sleeping In A Car?

Here are some tips to help you stay safe while sleeping in your car:

Find A Safe Parking Spot

Make sure you are parking in a place away from moving cars.

Choose a well-lit area with a level ground for maximum visibility and stability.

You can choose from the many designated rest areas (DRAs) along highways.

Sleeping with your car parked in one offers security because DRAs are usually littered with other people sleeping in their vehicles.

Lock and Seal Your Vehicle

Besides suffocation and exhaust emissions, falling asleep in a vehicle makes you vulnerable to criminal elements.

Lock all the doors and roll up the windows to restrict intruder access. If you decide to crack a window for optimum circulation, ensure the gap is small enough to restrict outside access to the cabin.

For added safety, try to park with the driver-side door against a solid object, such as a wall or a tree.

If you have a hike or other outdoor equipment attached to your car, try to place it inside, as it can be tempting for thieves, making your vehicle a hotspot.

Don't Leave The Engine Running

The easiest way to prevent carbon monoxide buildup is to turn the engine off before sleep.

If you want to change the temperature inside the car, keep the engine running until the interior is cold or warm enough to your liking, then turn it off. Don't sleep with the engine running.

Avoid Parking Near Other Running Cars

Another important safety precaution to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning is to stay away from other running vehicles. In addition, it's best to park in an open space to promote good air circulation.

Keep The Tailpipe Unblocked

A blocked tailpipe can suddenly cause carbon monoxide to pour into the vehicle cabin. So make sure that no snow, sand, mud, or any other slush is blocking it.

Check For Exhaust Leaks

Checking for exhaust leaks is an important part of car maintenance. If you lag in this regard, make sure to have a professional look at it before setting out on a road trip.

Tell Someone About Your Location

It is also important to let someone know where you are and what you will do. Give them the address or a geotag so they can rest easy knowing that you are safe.

Conclusion

Cars are not airtight. You cannot suffocate in one if the windows are closed.

There is some risk if too many people are inside the same vehicles or if the car is parked in an area with limited air circulation.

Sleeping in a car may not be very pleasant, but it is not as dangerous as many assume. Make sure you take the necessary precautions, like parking in an open space and turning the engine off, and you'll be safe.