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Can you sleep in a car with the windows rolled up?
I went to a party, and rather than drive drunk, I just climbed into the back seat of my car and had a snooze. When I told my mom, she asked if I had the windows up and freaked out when I said yes. Her worry is that I could have suffocated. Is it really dangerous to sleep in a car with the windows rolled up?
Jasmine Kanter · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
First of all, I want to commend you for keeping yourself and others safe by avoiding
a possible DUI
. Next, I’d like to help you put your mother’s mind at ease: no, you won’t suffocate if you sleep in a car with the windows rolled up.Cars aren’t airtight. They have their own ventilation system, and even if the A/C isn’t running, the vents will continue to let air in and out of the car.
In fact, it makes sense to roll up the windows and lock the doors in some situations, like when you’re parked in an unfamiliar neighborhood. When you next hop into the backseat, consider the following:
- Is your engine running? An idling engine produces fumes that are dangerous if they’re allowed to build up in an enclosed space, like a garage. Turn off the engine or else park in an open space and make sure your tailpipe is clear to avoid a deadly accident.
- Where did you park? There are designated rest areas along the highways across America. They’re well-lit and might be equipped with security cameras, which make them a safe space to stop for a few hours or overnight.
- How hot is it? On a really sweltering day, it’s healthier to roll down the windows or open your car’s moonroof than risk overheating. You can also look for parking spots in the shade, unfold a sunshade across the windshield and windows, and drink lots of water to beat the heat.
- How cold is it? In states with heavy snowfall, it’s possible that you could get stuck in a snowbank and have to wait overnight for rescue. Consider keeping a small heater, sleeping bag, or reflective foil blanket in your trunk
The next most important consideration for your safety is your car insurance—do you have all the coverage you need? If high premiums have discouraged you from finding coverage, try the
Jerry
app. A licensed broker, Jerry does all the hard work of finding insurance quotes so you can take your pick from over 50 top brands like Progressive, AAA, and Travelers. Choose what works for you and cancel what doesn’t—you can do it all from within the app! On average, car owners save $887 per year after using Jerry.
View full answer
- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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