Whether it’s your first time sleeping in a car or you’re a full-time resident of a vehicle, you’ll want to make sure you’re safe and comfortable while you’re doing it. From perfecting your sleeping position to protecting yourself from the elements, sleeping in a car or van can be an incredibly relaxing way to reconnect with nature and get away from the busy everyday life.
Security is an important factor in all aspects of this theme, from making sure you are not vulnerable to theft to even getting optimal sleeping conditions. Chances are you don’t sleep with your windows down most of the time, but some people prefer to sleep with their car windows rolled up.
It’s perfectly fine to sleep in a car with the windows open because there are plenty of vents, ports, and non-airtight spaces for fresh air to flow through. However, the air can become stifling if there are more people inside, and in that case, it is better to open a window.
Can you sleep in a car with the windows up?
Getting familiar with sleeping in your car can be helpful for many reasons, from a quick nap at lunchtime to saving money on a hotel after a night out. There are a few reasons why sleeping in your car can be practical and cost-effective.
You might consider leaving a window open, especially if you sleep with the fan on and like a constant cool breeze, but are it safe to sleep with your car windows closed?
From ventilation to theft, there are a few reasons why you might be skeptical about the position of your car windows at night, but the reality is that your car is not airtight, so there will always be ventilation in your car.
Air flow
You may think that the seals around your car’s windows and doors are an indication of a tight seal that will keep everything out, but the reality is that your car will have vent systems behind the air vents in your dash that lead directly into the air. abroad.
These seals are designed to keep out rain and bad weather, but they’re not waterproof, which means your car isn’t airtight, so you won’t be running out of air any time soon.
That’s why you can choose to circulate the air in your control panel or open the vents to get fresh air from outside to provide ventilation, even when the engine is off. Studies have even shown that a parked car with no vents, windows, or doors open can have fresh air in as little as 1-3 hours.
Temperature
The biggest downside to sleeping with your windows open is the temperature, especially during the hot summer months or if you live in a warmer climate. Even though there is constant airflow in your vehicle, the temperature in your car can rise to dangerous levels.
When it’s hot, the interior of a car is capable of maintaining much higher temperatures, much like an oven on wheels. That’s why you should always consider whether you would need to keep one or more windows open, even just a little. You will also avoid having to clean annoying condensation in the morning when you get up!
What about carbon monoxide?
The final major concern has to do with the misconception that your vehicle will fill with dangerous gases like carbon monoxide, which can kill you while you sleep. This is yet another reason why you should always perform regular maintenance on your vehicle and have it tested and checked by a trained professional, because while the chances are slim, you can never be too careful.
All modern vehicles are fitted with catalytic converters which will convert dangerous carbon monoxide, but if your exhaust pipe is blocked or damaged this could cause the interior of your vehicle to fill with dangerous gases so get a full scan done first. to sleep in his car. with the windows up.
Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, so you won’t even notice you’re being poisoned until it’s too late, which is why you need proper ventilation in your vehicle, so leaving your window open, even a little bit, can make a big difference.
If you sleep in your car a lot and want to stay warm during the colder seasons, then you might consider purchasing a carbon monoxide detector in your vehicle like the one we linked above to ensure your vehicle is safe, even when your engine is running. I’m not running
The best tips for sleeping safely in the car
Windows up or Windows down – There are always extra safety precautions you can take to ensure you are safe while sleeping in your vehicle. You may be happy enough to just recline your back seats and take a nap, but there’s more to think about than just comfort.
Some quick and easy tips include:
Don’t drain your car’s battery by using the interior lights.
Bring a portable fan.
Seek shade to prevent your car from overheating.
Before parking for the night, find the nearest bathroom.
Text a friend or family member your location before bed.
Use nets on open windows to keep insects out.
Let’s take a look at our more detailed tips and safe practices to keep you safe, whether you want to use your car for an hour nap or on the weekend.
parking location
Even with all the equipment in the world, if you have parked in a vulnerable place or in a dimly lit area, there is a great risk of being attacked by criminals at night. It may seem like common sense to try to park in a dark and quiet place to get the best sleep possible, but this is where many people sadly go wrong.
You want to make sure your vehicle is in a well-lit area and has maximum visibility to deter thieves or criminals from attacking your vehicle before it’s too late. If you don’t sleep with your car windows rolled up, then you should try to park near a wall or obstacle that might prevent others from accessing your open window to make car theft more of a problem.
Try to find a designated rest area or rest stop where other sleepy travelers are also around you, as these types of places offer extra security and usually have CCTV or lighting that will deter violators.
Maintenance
Even if you don’t use your car as a portable bed, you should always make sure it’s up to date with emissions and safety checks, service, and any other manufacturer-recommended checks.
This is not only to keep you safe when you sleep in your car, but also on the roads, as an unknown or untreated failure puts you at risk of breaking down and getting stuck, as well as putting yourself and other road users at risk.
umbrellas
The downside to parking in well-lit areas is that this visibility often leaves you and the contents of your vehicle in full view. Just like you would close the blinds and curtains in your home, you’ll also want to make sure you have sunshades in place that prevent prying eyes from peeking in.
You can easily measure and make your custom blinds to block out all your windows, but you can also easily buy some online that are designed to keep heat in or out! Here is our recommendation:
Conclusion
Mastering the art of sleeping in the car is one of the easiest ways to get a comfortable and affordable night’s sleep anywhere your 4 wheels can take you! You may think you’d need a truck to sleep comfortably in your car, but sleeping safely in a car with the windows rolled up can give you everything you need.
So yes, you can sleep with your car windows closed, as the ventilation through your car’s vents will supply plenty of cool air while you sleep, but be careful not to overheat in the summer months and always park early. safely before bed.
Here are some articles that may interest you:
Top 10 Sleeping Cars (Comfortable Cars For Camping Or Road Trips)
Can you sleep in your car at a rest stop or truck stop?
How to sleep comfortably in the back seat of a car
Is it illegal to sleep in your car in Florida?
